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Prom the German of De Doss, by a Catholic Priest. 

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From the Translator's Pre/ace.— When I first read the •' Gedenk- 
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a strong desire of having them placed within reach of the youth 
of this country. I believed they would be productive of much 
good to our young people, especially to those preparing them- 
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in life. But as I knew no one who would be willing to undertake 
the task of translating this little book, I undertook the work 
myself, and now offer the fruit of my labor to the youth of this 
country. The Translator. 

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By p. a. De doss, 

Of the Society of Jesus. 



S^raitslateb from i\% (i^ngmal (S^rmair, 



By a Catholic Priest. 



All good things came to me together with her. — \Yhd^ vii, U, 



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Published by John Murphy & Co 

18 2 Baltimore S t r e 

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John Mubpht, 
in t^« ^fiift of t^c l^ibrarian of Congnss, at SS^as^ington. 



AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 

The law of the 4th of July, which suppressed 
the Society of Jesus within the new German 
empire, is well known. Being condemned to 
involuntary leisure by the uujust application of 
this law, being banished from the school-room, 
from the pulpit, from the confessional, yea, even 
driven away from the altar, and from the sphere 
of long continued activity, chased from place to 
place : writing is my only means of intercourse 
with those who once were so near to me. And 
yet, when could I have experienced greater 
pleasure in -communicating with you, my young 
friends, in directing kind words of warning, of 
advice, of consolation, and of encouragement to 
you, than now ? These pages are, therefore, 
dedicated to you ; to you whose youth is a wit- 
ness to so many struggles, to you who must be 
deeply impressed with the thought : this war- 
fare around me is for interests which are also 
mine ; it is a warfare in which, although young, 
I must, by a firm adherence to my faith, strive 
to obtain the mastery over my passions, and 
perfect myself in all things ; I desire to be- 
come a man in the full sense of the word ; no 
storm, be it ever so violent, shall sweep me 
away from the immovable Rock of Christ, whicli 
is the One, Holy, Catholic Church. 

Therefore, at times, in moments of leisure, take 
these words of advice, read a chapter now and 
then, and reflect upon it; apply it to yourself, 
and ask God to give you the grace not only to 
understand what you read, but also to practice 
it : '* Domine ut videam — et agam." In exile, 
during the ivinter 187.^-73. P. A. de Doss. 



TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. 

When I first read the " Gedenkblatter," or 
words of advice, of the celebrated P. A. de 
Doss, I felt a strong desire of having them 
placed within reach of the youth of this coun- 
try. I believed they would be productive of 
much good to our young people, especially to 
those preparing themselves in our colleges and 
seminaries for their future positions in life. 
But as I knew no one who would be willing to 
undertake the task of translating this little 
book, (a task not altogether light, on account of 
the original beino- written in ver'y idiomatic 
German, often difficult to translate,) I under- 
took the work myself, and now offer the fruit of 
my labor to the youth of this country. A few 
times, I found it necessary to give a rather free 
translation, and in two instances, I chose ex- 
amples different from those of the author, better 
to illustrate a given text. I am confident, if 
the kind reader will follow -the advice of the 
much experienced author, and read attentively 
one or another chapter, at the same time asking 
God to give him grace to understand what he 
reads, and also to practice it, my labor in trans- 
lating these words of advice will be amply re- 
warded : for he will be inspired with a great 
love for that holy virtue which is so necessary 
for every youth, and so dear to Our Lord that 
He vouchsafed to give it a special blessing: 
''Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall 
see. God. " The Translator. 

May, 1877. 
viii 



CONTENTS. 

Chap. Page. 
I. Chastity, the Light of Youth, . 13 
II. Chastity Praised in the Holy Scrip- 
ture, 20 

III. Chastity Extolled by the Example 

of Christ, 26 

IV. Chastity Praised by the Doctors of 

the Church, .... 33 
V. Chastity, Praiseworthy in Itself, . 38 
VI. Chastity, Sublime in its Relations 

to the Angels, .... 46 
VII. Chastity Commendable, on account' 
of the Combats by which it is 
Preserved, and Recovered when 

Lost, 60 

VIII. Chastity a most Precious, but Fra- 

gile Vessel, .... 68 

IX. Chastity a Lily, .... 64 

ix 



CONTENTS. 

Chap. Page. 

X. Chastity a Pearl, .... 70 

XI. Chastity, the Fruit of the Fear of 

God, . • 76 

XII. Chastity, the Fruit of a Great Love 

for God, 82 

XIII. Chastity, the Fruit of a Frequent 

Examination of Conscience, . 88 
XIY. Chastity, the Fruit of Persevering 

Watchfulness, .... 94 
XY. Chastity, the Fruit of a Prudent 

Severity, 101 

XYI. Chastity, the Fruit of Prayer, . 107 
XYII. Chastity, the Fruit of the Sacra- 
ment of Penance, . . ,113 
XYIII. Chastity, the Fruit of Childlike 

Simplicity, . . . . .119 
XIX. Chastity, the Fruit of the Bread of 

Angels, 127 

XX. Chastity, the Keward of Meditation 

upon the Sufferings of Jesus, . 133 
XXI. Chastity, the Fruit of Devotion 

to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 140 
XXII. Chastity, the Fruit of the Devo- 
tion to the Blessed Yirgin Mary, 146 



CONTENTS. XI 

Chap. Page. 

XXIII. Chastity, the Fruit of the Imita- 

tion of the Saints, . . .163 

XXIV. Chastity, the Reward of sincerity 

of Heart, . . . . . 160 
XXV. Chastity, the Fruit of the Con- 
tempt of the World, . . .167 
XXVI. Chastity, the Fruit of Great Pre- 
caution in our Dealings with 
Men, 173 



XXVII. Chastity, the Fruit of Industry, 
XXVIII. Chastity, the Fruit of Unceasing 
Combat, .... 
XXIX. Chastity, the Fruit of Generous 
Self-denial, 
XXX. Chastity, the Source of Internal 
Peace, .... 

XXXI. Chastity, the Source of a Holy 
Cheerfulness, 
XXXII. Chastity, the Source of many Tern 
poral Blessings, . 

XXXIII. Chastity, the Source of Spiritual 

Strength and Vigor, . 

XXXIV. Chastity, the Source of a Salutary 

Influence upon others. 



178 
186 
195 
201 
207 
213 
219 
226 



Xll CONTENTS. 

Chap. Page. 

XXX Y. Chastity, the Source which brings 

forth a correct Decision in re- 
gard to the Future, . . . 235 
XXXyi. Chastity, the Source of many Con- 
solations in After Life, . . 243 
XXXVII. Chastity, the Source of Special Be- 
lief at the All-important Hour 

of Death, 250 

XXXYIII. Chastity, the Source of a Special 

Glory in the Kingdom of Heaven, 257 



THE 



Pearl Aiiioiifl[tlic Virtues. 



CHAPTER I. 

(i[lms{ii\), the Itijht of |outit. 

CCrpHE light of thy body is' thy 
X eye," says our Saviour; "is 
thy eye simple, then thy whole body 
is lightsome." Yes, indeed, effectu- 
ally and cheerfully does our body 
perform its task, and confidently 
does it strive to attain its mark, so 
•long as the eye is sound, so long as 
it is bright, and able to receive exte- 
rior light. " But if thy eye be evil," 
thus continues our Lord, "thy whole 
2 13 



14 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



body shall be darksome;" then the 
body feels uneasy, then it trembles 
at every movement, then dangers 
threaten it; now, an abyss, then 
robbers or wild animals, sometimes 
other unforeseen perils, which it is 
not able to avoid. 

Your light, Youth, is your chas- 
tity ; it is the lio^ht of vour soul. 
The more perfect your chastity, the 
brighter your soul, the more resplen- 
dent before God, the better able to 
reflect the likeness of the Most-High, 
and to receive vrithin itself every 
other virtue. Chastity is, moreover, 
the light of your body ; it gives to 
the body a certain brightness, it 
clothes it with a becoming charm, it 
impresses it with something inde- 



THE PEARL AMONG THE YIHTUES. 



15 



scribably heavenly, which wonder- 
fiilly elevates it, in contrast to its 
opposite degrading vice. 

Wonder not, therefore, if I under- 
take to place even this virtue before 
you, and, as it were, unroll there its 
splendor. Oh ! that it might so 
charm you, that, in order to obtain 
this treasure, you would bo willing 
to engage in every combat, and to 
make every sacrifice. 

Are you chaste, then you possess 
all things ; as long as you are not 
chaste — then all is yet to be accom- 
plished, then the most important, 
the most eminent virtue is certainlv 
wanting. Are you chaste — have you 
preserved your chastity, or have you 
by a great and continual struggle 



16 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



recovered it? then, indeed, you may 
say, as it is written in the Book of 
Wisdom: ''All good things come to 
me with her, and innumerable riches 
through her hand." 

Example. We read in the life of 
St. Jerome, that he had an insatiable 
thirst for learning. When still very 
young, his father sent him to Rome 
to complete his studies. In this city, 
he had the misfortune of growing- 
careless in the exercise of that piety 
which had been instilled into him in 
his infancy. He no longer restrained 
his passions, and was full only of 
worldly views. Being, however, very 
desirous of improving in his studies, 
he resolved to travel. He visited 
the famous schools at Marseilles, 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



17 



Toulouse, Bourdeaux and Treves. 
At this latter place, he was con- 
ducted by the Divine Mercy into 
the paths of virtue and salvation; 
in consequence of which he took a 
resolution to devote himself wholly 
to the divine service in a state of 
perpetual chastity. After he had 
formed this resolution, he dedicated 
his great learning to the service of 
Almighty God. In order to accom- 
plish this, the more fully, and, at 
the same time, the more securely to 
protect his virtue, he retired into 
a desert lying between Syria and 
Arabia, where the holy abbot Theo- 
dosius received him wdth great joy. 
Although he made such progress m 

his learning, that he is allow^ed to be 

2:5: 



18 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



in many respects, the most learned 
of all the Latin fathers, still the 
devil did not desist from tempting 
him most violently to sins against 
holy purity. He himself says of 
these severe afflictions : '' My face 
was pale with fasting, and yet my 
body felt violent assaults of irregular 
desires ; and though I vigorously re- 
pressed all their sallies, they strove 
alwaj^s to rise again. I, often, joined 
wdiole nights to days, crying, sighing, 
and beating my breast till the desired 
calm returned. The Lord is my wit- 
ness, that after so many sobs and 
tears, after having looked in such 
sorrow up to Heaven, I experienced 
most delightful comfort and interior 
sweetness, and these were so great, 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



19 



that transported and absorbed, I 
seemed to myself to be amidst the 
choirs of Angels; and glad and joy- 
ful, I sang to God : ''After Thee, 
Lord, wo will run in the fragrancy 
of Thy celestial ointments." 

If you but knew the worth of 
chastity, how carefully would you 
watch over this light of your soul, 
that it might not be turned into 
darkness! Oh! how happy you arc 
as long as this eye of your soul is 
bright and serene ; woe to you, how- 
ever, if it is surrounded by darkness. 




CHAPTER II. 

INEXHAUSTIBLE are the Holy 
Scriptures in their praises of 
chastity. How full of animation are 
not the well-known words of the 
Book of Wisdom: ''0 how beauti- 
ful is the chaste generation with 
glory ; for the memory thereof is 
immortal, because it is known both 
with God and with men. When it 
is present they imitate it; and they 
desire it when it hath withdrawn 
itself; and it triumpheth crowned 
for ever, winning the reward of un- 
defiled conflicts." Yes, what match- 
20 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 21 

less beauty do we find in chastity! 
how radiant even in the distance! 
how are all eyes turned towards him 
that is chaste; even those who are 
too effeminate to follow him upon 
his bright, but difficult path, cannot 
help honoring him ! Behold, the 
chaste one is a pattern for all, a 
spur to all ; and in the other Avorld 
— what reward is awaiting him ! 
There an immortal crown shall grace 
his brow, and a palm of victory com- 
mensurate with his hard combat, 
shall be given him. And agciin we 
read in the Holy Book : " He that 
loves purity of heart, has for his 
friend the King." But to have for 
a friend the highest King, the Al- 
mighty, the Most Holy, the Most 



22 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



Loving, the Most Liberal, the Most 

Beautiful, what an honor, what a 

privilege ! and what effects does this 

privilege produce ! what familiarity, 

what harmony, what exchange of the 

most intimate feelings ! Oh ! tell us, 

you pure souls, how you understand 

God, and how God understands you! 

how warmly your heart beats for 

God, and hov/ you perceive that 

God's heart beats for you! Tell us 

of your conversation with the Divine 

Majesty, how He descends to you, or 

rather, how He raises and draws 

you, as it were, to His most holy 

Heart, there like St. John to rest, 

and then surrounding you with 

heavenly odors sends you back into 

this valley of tears for a little while 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



23 



longer! Youth! remain or become 
a friend of this Heavenly King, and 
you can easily forego every other 
friendship. 

Example. A beautiful illustration 
of these last words we find in the 
holy youth, Joseph, the son of Jacob. 
When still a boy, he turned away 
from the sinful practices of his 
brothers. He informed his father 
of their evil doings, and, for this 
reason, he became an object of hatred 
in their sight. They sold him as a 
slave and sent him into Egypt, but 
Divine Providence opened the way 
for him into the house of Potiphar, 
a rich Egyptian. Here, however, a 
severe trial awaited the noble youth. 
The lustful wife of Potiphar tempted 



24 



THE PEARL AMOKG THE VIRTUES. 



him to commit a great sin ; but 
Joseph, leaving his cloak in her 
hands, sought safety in flight. The 
shameless woman, enraged by his 
refusal, sought revenge; upon her 
accusation, Joseph was throwli into 
prison. Although in prison, and 
oppressed even more by the weight 
of this most dreadful calumny, than 
by the heavy load of his chains, 
Joseph is serene — for he is pure, he 
is innocent. And soon, undoubt- 
edly, as a reward for the innocence 
he so bravely defended, his chains 
are converted into a diadem, his 
menial dress into a kingly purple, 
and Joseph's name, in the splendor 
of its chastity, still lives in the most 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



25 



Sacred of Books, and in the memory 
of all good people. 

Holy virtue, glorious virtue, daz- 
zle me with thy splendor, that all 
sensual or base things may appear 
to me hideous, and black as night. 




CHAPTER III. 

d^hastitg (Bxtollal ig the Example oj 
(Ehiiist. 

WHO should know better where 
true greatness, real beauty 
and the purest nobility of soul and 
body are to bo found than Jesus? 
Jesus, at once the Purest and the 
"Wisest, who looks upon things ac- 
cording to their real value, who is 
not bribed by the exterior of things, 
to whom their outward appearance 
and essence are equally visible ? 
Toward whom did the Son of Man 
during His pilgrimage upon earth 
feel Himself more irresistibly drawn, 
26 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 27 

than toward tlie chaste? Was not 
His mother a virgin? and His fos- 
ter-father, the virgin-like Joseph? 
Behold, how He loves the innocent 
children ! In their midst, He seems 
to be transported to His heavenly 
home, into the company of His 
heavenly messengers — the angels. 
''Let little children come to Me, for 
theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." 
These He caresses — to bless these. 
He places upon them His saving- 
Hand. To protect innocence. He 
pronounces the most dreadful curse 
upon the seducer, and upon him who 
gives scandal to the pure. Youths 
He draws unto Himself, teaches 
them wdth a special predilection, 
and gives them His most salutary 



28 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

counsels. For wliose benefit did He 
work His greatest miracle, as re- 
corded in the Holy Book? Think 
of Lazarus, of the son of the widow 
of JN'aim, of the daughter of Jairus 
—all three still in their youth and 
in holy innocence. And remember 
His predilection for His virgin-like 
disciple, St. John ! You find him 
upon Thabor, illuminated with the 
splendor of his Master's transfigura- 
tion ; you behold him at the Last 
Supper, reclining upon the bosom 
of his Saviour. Again you see him 
in Gethsemane as a witness of the 
Lord's approaching sufi'ering, and 
him we see standing under the 
cross, bedewed with the blood of his 
beloved Master! And here, under 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



29 



the cross, is the Virgin-Mother be- 
queathed to the virgin 'like disciple, 
who is made her son, her protector — 
in place of Christ Himself. Ponder 
well on this, Youth ! Do you wish 
to be a favored friend of Jesus? for 
that you require but one thing — 
holy purity. Neither riches nor 
nobility of birth, neither talent nor 
corporal beauty, neither the favor of 
men nor the glory of this world can 
enable you to become the favorite 
friend of Jesus — only this is neces- 
sary — be chaste. 

Example. Edmund, afterwards the 
renowned Archbishop of Canterbury, 
had a most pious mother, whose 
name was Mabila. She reared her 

children in holy innocence and in the 
3::: 



30 



THE PEAKL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



fear of the Lord. When Edmund, 
Avho was still very young, was about 
to go with his elder brother N'orbert 
to Paris, there to pursue his studies 
at the University, the mother gave 
each of them a hair-shirt and begged 
them to wear it once or twice a week, 
"for," said she, ''in that kirge city, 
in the midst of dissolute companions, 
many temptations are awaiting you; 
and still it is my wish that you 
should return to me innocent, for 
innocent j^ou leave me." When- 
ever, afterwards, she sent him, or 
his brother, their necessaries, she 
regularly added an instrument of 
penance. Edmund, who in his 
ninth year, had already vowed per- 
petual chastity to his Lord and 



TllliJ PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 31 

Maker, was fully convinced that it 
is necessay to surround the lily of 
purity by the thorns of penance and 
self-denial. He, ^therefore, made a 
conscientious use of his pious moth- 
er's advice. Besides, in all temp- 
tations, he was accustomed to call 
upon Mary, his immaculate mother, 
and he frequently asserted that she 
always helped him. Dissolute young- 
men he avoided carefully. It hap- 
pened, one day, that the conversation 
of his comrades began to turn upon 
immodest things ; he left them im- 
mediately, and was met by a most 
handsome youth, upon whose brow 
was written in brilliant letters, the 
name ''Jesus." ''Because you left 
them," thus spoke this heavenly 



32 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



apparition, ''I now join you." Ed- 
mund received sublime instructions, 
and was strengthened in his endea- 
vors of keeping his heart pure and 
undefiled, in order never to lose his 
heavenly companion. Oh! that the 
innocence of your thoughts, desires, 
words and actions, might also make 
you the special friend of your Lord 
and Master! It is true, the world 
only honors those with its friend- 
ship who resemble it, or, who pos- 
sess exterior accomplishments ; but 
your Saviour, the Most- Amiable, the 
Most-Liberal, wishes to he your friend 
— do you desire more ? 



CHAPTER ly. 

C^hastiiji praised bjjr tlxt io^tors of th 

THE fathers and doctors of the 
Church seem to be inexhausti- 
ble in their praises of holy chastity. 
How beautiful are not the words of 
TertuUian : '' Chastitv is the centre 
of all morality; the dignity of the 
body, the ornament of the sexes ; it 
is the support of all sanctity, it pre- 
pares the way for every spiritual 
perfection ; although seldom found 
in its highest perfection, or without 
any interruption, still it is not en- 
tirely wanting in the world ; be it, 

33 



34 



THE PEARL AIMONG THE VIRTUES. 



that a happy natural disposition 
came to its aid, 6y that self-denial 
or a strict self-control gained the 
superiority." And St. Athanasius 
utters the praise of holy chastity in 
the following beautiful words: ''A 
sublime virtue is continency, some- 
thing very grand is chastity, and 
above all things praise-worthy, is 
holy virginity. indescribable riches 
of holy purity! chastity, imper- 
ishable crown! chastity, temple 
of God, and dwelling-place of the 
Holy Ghost! chastity, most pre- 
cious pearl, hidden to the many and 
discovered but by few ! conti- 
nency, favorite with God — honored 
so highly by the saints ! conti- 
nency so obscure and unknown to 



THE PEAEL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 35 

the crowd, but known so much the 
better to those who are worthy of 
thee ! chastity, which escapes 
eternal death, and unto which Im- 
mortality clings ! chastity, joy of 
the prophets, glory of the apostles ! 
chastity, life of the angels and 
ornament of holy men ! Blessed 
he who possesses thee, and who in 
patience and perseverance espouses 
thee; for after a short combat, he 
shall reap, on thy account, a rich 
reward. Blessed he w^ho has learned 
in this life to deny himself, for his 
home shall be the Heavenly Jeru- 
salem ; he shall in rejoicing walk 
with the angels, and with the holy 
prophets and apostles he shall enjoy 
eternal bliss." St. Cyprian says: 



36 



THE PEAEL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



''Chastity gives dignity to the body, 
is an ornament to morals, and sanc- 
tifies the sexes. Chastity does not 
need another ornament, it is an orna- 
ment to itself. It is chastity which 
makes us pleasing to the Lord, which 
unites us most closely with Christ ; 
it protects us against the unlawful 
attacks of sensuality ; it gives our 
bodies peace. Chastity is happiness 
itself, and produces happiness." 

Do you not desire such blessings, 
youth? 

Example. It is related of St. 
Gregory Nazianzen, that he had a 
most mysterious dream, w^hen still a 
youth. Before him stood two females 
of exquisite beauty, one represent- 
ing Chastity, — the other. Temper- 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES^ 



37 



ance. They caressed the youth as 
if he were a child, and invited him 
to accompany them. '' Come with 
us," they said, ''we will conduct you 
unto the throne of the Most Blessed 
Trinity." And that Gregory went 
with them, that is, that he practiced 
these two virtues in particular, fol- 
lows from the fact that he is called 
the '' Theologian," which signifies 
one who has knowledge, and is a 
teacher of heavenly things. I^or is 
it astonishing that a chaste heart is 
best adapted to see and understand 
sublime things ; for through a soiled 
glass, even the eye itself can see but 
very imperfectly. 



CHAPTER y. 

THE Holy Scriptures call chas- 
tity, absolutely : " Sanctity. " 
'' This is the will of God your sanc- 
tification ; that you should abstain 
from impurities, that every one of 
you should know how to possess his 
vessel (l e. his body) in sanctification 
and honor, for God hath not called 
you to uncleanness, but to holiness." 
Who is chaste? He, who turns 
away with all the strength of his 
will from all things v/hich have any 
relation to the low and sensual appe- 
tites of men; he, who in strict union 
38 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 39 

with the holy and wise intentions of 
God, subordinates his flesh to his 
spirit; he, who, as much as it is in 
his power, withdraws his imagina- 
tion and memory, his thoughts and 
desires, his eyes, ears, mouth, hands, 
in short, all the faculties of his body 
and soul, from these low and sensual 
inclinations, and as much as possible 
lives in the body, as if he were with- 
out it; 

Therefore, Youth, you are chaste, 
if notwithstanding all incitement to 
evil, notwithstanding these trying 
rebellions of the flesh, you still re- 
fuse to consent, refuse to do anything 
for the gratification of these desires, 
and stand, as it were, above the 
fluctuations of these rebellious pas- 



40 



THE PE.VPvL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



sions firm and erect — like the light- 
house giving light to the darkness 
below — tending upwards to the skies. 

Perhaps you think; ^'that is above 
my strength." By no means; a great 
number have accomplished it — why 
not you? And you are expected to 
do it only with the powerful assist- 
ance of divine grace. Then, even if 
it be difficult, if it seem almost su- 
perhuman, remember the sublimity 
and the beauty of this virtue, which 
brings you most closely to Him, 
" who is wholly a spirit" — to God, 
the Uncreated Spirit, the Most Pure, 
the Most Holy-One. 

Example. A beautiful illustration , 
of our theme, we find in John M. Cos- 
tello, who died December 16th, 1865^ 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



41 



at St. Charles Seminary, Maryland. 
As it often happens, his unpretend- 
ing virtue Avas only fully acknow- 
ledged, when his premature death 
aroused the attention of his pro- 
fessors and fellow-students, to the 
void his demise had created. John 
M. ICostello was born October 4th, 
1846, at Schenectady, and was sent 
by the Rt. Rev. Bishop of Albany, 
to the above-named institution in 
September, 1863. When still a boy, 
he had attracted attention by his 
piety and angelic purity. Costello 
vv^as by no means morose ; on the 
contrary, he loved sport and play 
in their season. His company was 
sought by many, and every one 
loved to be near this '' admirable 
4-^ 



42 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



little saint," as he was then already 
called. The impression he made 
upon others even at first sight, may 
be shown by the following letter : 

'^ During the vacation of 1864, I 
met in the streets of Albany, a friend 
of mine, who after the usual saluta- 
tion, exclaimed: ^ Frank, to-day I 
have seen St. Aloysius.' 'Indeed,' I 
answered, 'have you then been to 
Heaven?' ''Not exactly that,' was 
the reply, 'but a heavenly being 
has appeared upon earth.' He then 
spoke to me about Costello, and told 
me where he had met him. John M. 
Costello was at that time spending 
a few days with a friend, and as the 
latter had formerly invited me to 
call, I concluded now to do so. I 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



43 



was immediately introduced to his 
young friend and visitor. I was 
quite overcome by his beautiful ap- 
pearance ; so saint-like, so full of 
blissful joy and heavenly peace was 
his countenance. God, that this 
happy day might soon return ! that 
the happy moments might return, 
which I spent in company with this 
innocent youth ! I met him after- 
wards on different occasions, and at 
length prevailed upon him to spend 
a few days at my house. I know 
many priests, also many persons of 
different religious orders, still I must 
confess, never did I behold a coun- 
tenance, upon which holy purity was 
so visibly stamped, as upon this 
youth." 



44 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



Do you see how the light extends 
into all places? how the brightness 
of the soul often breaks through the 
veil of the body, and spreads its rays 
abroad ? And who does not love the 
light?" 

Youth, be thou such a light — 
to thyself and to others I 




CHAPTER YL 

d^hitstiig, Sublime in its lelidions to \\u 
^iiljcls. 

WE often call chastity, the an- 
gelic virtue. This manner of 
speaking is not quite correct. For 
although the angels are pure, they 
are not so by virtue, but by their 
spiritual nature. Only such beings 
can be subject to temptations of the 
flesh, who in mortal flesh, live a mor- 
tal life. The angel, however, is a 
pure spirit, — can therefore bo but 
pure. '' He cannot be allured by 
beauty of exterior form, nor by any 
sensual attraction," says St. Chrysos- 
tom, ''for he is without the external 

45 



46 



THE TEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



senses, he is supernatural. happy 
purity, which cannot be lost, since 
both the object and the cause of sin 
are wanting." 

And now, you may judge of the 
sublimity of human chastity. " By 
no other virtue," says Cassian, ^'does 
man beoome so like to the angels." 
For to bo clothed with a mortal 
body, to be endowed with senses 
open to every external impression, 
to possess a heart which is the seat 
of all sensual affections ; and still to 
be chaste- — that requires virtue, 
virtue, exalted above that of the 
angels, who know nothing of temp- 
tations of the flesh, and the sensu- 
ality of the senses ! 

]\"o wonder then, that persons who 
are like to the angels in purity, 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 47 

enjoy angelic privileges. Such un- 
derstand divine things more readily 
than others ; they are more atten- 
tive to heavenly inspirations ; their 
aspect is brighter, their endeavors 
purer, their prayers less laborious, 
and those heavenly spirits by whom 
they are almost considered equals, 
seem to draw near to them with a 
particular affection. 

Example. St. Thomas Aquinas was 
as remarkable for his love of holy 
chastity, as for the courage with 
which he defended it. When still 
very young he made a vow of chas- 
tity, and at the age of seventeen, 
took the habit of St. Dominic at 
JN'aples. His mother having been 
informed of the step her son had 



48 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

taken, set out for Naples to with- 
draw him, if possible, from that 
state of life. Thomas, on hearing 
this news, begged his superiors to 
remove him to the convent of St. 
Sabina in Rome, and thence to 
Paris. But his brothers, being com- 
manders in the Emperor's army, 
guarded all the roads so well, that 
he fell into their hands. They took 
him to his parents, but neither his 
mother's tears and lamentations, nor 
his brother's cruelty, could shake his 
resolution. The devil suggested a 
new artifice to his brothers, who 
introduced into his chamber a beau- 
tiful and fascinating young woman, 
destined to draw him into sin. The 
saint, frightened at the danger, cried 



THE TEARL AMO^'G THE VIRTUES. 



49 



out to God, to protect him ; then 
snatching a fire-brand, struck her 
with it, and drove her out of the 
room. During the night he was 
visited by two angels, who, as it 
seemed, girded his waist so tightly 
with a cord, that he was awakened 
and forced to cry aloud. He after- 
wards revealed to his confessor, that 
from that time forward he had never 
been annoyed by any temptations of 
the flesh. 

Youth, remain an angel, or be- 
come like to an angel by holy purity. 
How grand and how desirable a thing- 
it is, to pass unscathed and unharmed 
through the spiritual conflicts that ^Y0 
must engage in on our march over the 
plain of this fleeting, shadowy life! 



5 



CHAPTER VII. 

C^hastitg (l[ommendabk, on aaount of ih 

O^ombats bg vcUdx it is §mertid, 

and Itwotietied nihcn lost. 

THERE are few persons who have 
preserved their chastity, espe- 
cially in their youth, save by hard 
wearisome and, sometimes, uninter- 
rupted conflicts. The cause of this 
lies in the nature of man, in his 
relations to himself, in his relations 
to the world. 

You are dust, you are earth, you 

are flesh — within you, there is waged 

a constant warfare, and never is 

it greater than in youth. In this 

50 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



5L 



respect, youth resembles the time 
of spring, when storms rage more 
fiercely, when the earth gives out 
more heat, when buds develop more 
rapidly, and when, generally, the 
future prospects of the year are de- 
termined. To the youth, all things 
seem new ; he enters, as it were, 
upon a new life; new are the enjoy- 
ments that offer themselves, new the 
impressions that he receives. To this 
charm of novelty, add the peculiar 
dangers of the school or college — the 
dangers that threaten him from infi- 
del teachers, from corrupt associates, 
from the various branches of study ; 
and, on the other hand, the dangers 
arising from his particular occupa- 
tion in life, the dangers of the shop. 



52 



THE PEAHL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



the office, the temptations that home 
may present; above all, the still 
greater perils of the world with its 
evil principles, its bad example, its 
distractions, its alUirements — lastly, 
the fiery darts which Satan con- 
stantly has ready in his well-filled 
quiver, and which he successfully 
hurls at the heart of youth, so tender 
and so vulnerable. In consideration 
of all these difficulties, St. Chrysos- 
tom cries out: '^I know well the diffi- 
culty of this undertaking, I know the 
fierceness of these combats, I know 
the importance of this warfare." To 
be victorious in these conflicts re- 
quires a strong, courageous mind, a 
mind that despises every thing vile. 
It is necessary to walk upon fiery 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 53 

coals without burning one's self, to 
walk between drawn swords without 
being wounded ; for the power of 
sensuality over us is as great as that 
of fire or of the sword. If, there- 
fore, the soul be not strengthened, 
in order to know how to suffer, then 
will it soon be lost. Hence, it is 
necessary for us to have an eye that 
is always watchful, a perseverance 
that never slackens, strong fortifica- 
tions, efficient safeguards, above all, 
a heavenly sentiment. " For unless 
the Lord keepeth the city, he watch- 
eth, in vain, that keepeth it." 

From this, you may judge of the 

value of chastity, which is preserved 

by such contests, and bought at the 

price of such labors. Possibly, there 

5^- 



54 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



are a few favored ones, whom nature 
has spared from these violent con- 
flicts, or who, living under especi- 
ally fortunate circumstances, have 
grown into manhood without them, 
but their number is small. Honor, 
therefore, to the valiant youth, who 
has fought, and fought successfully ! 
The Lord will amply reward him, 
if he but persevere, because He has 
prepared for such, special crowns of 
glory. 

Example, It is related that an un- 
fortunate youth having fallen deeply 
into sin, almost gave himself up to 
despair. ''J^ever," said he to him- 
self, '' shall I be^ able to overcome 
this evil habit. How often have I 
not promised Almighty God and my 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 55 

confessor, that I would correct this 
fault, and still I alvvciys fall again." 
Thus was cowardice added to de- 
spondency ; he neglected his prayers, 
postponed his confessions, and well 
might the poor boy have been com- 
pared to a skiff, which, at the mercy 
of the waves, is carried down the 
stream with resistless power. One 
evening, with his mind full of such 
thoughts, and others that are w^orse, 
— thoughts of suicide — he fell asleep. 
Suddenly, he beheld in his dream, a 
giant standing before him, and an 
angel commanding him to engage in 
single combat. ^'Rise, " cried the 
angel, 'Svrestle with him." Full. of 
fear, and faint-hearted, the youth 
replied : " How can I wrestle with 



56 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



him? Is he not a giant? and I am 
so small, he will crush me." But 
the angel answered : " Have courage, 
try it, I shall help you." Behold, 
after a short struggle, the giant fell, 
and the youth, vfith the help of the 
angel, entirely defeated him. Cov- 
ered with perspiration, the youth 
awoke, and reflected upon this 
dream. "Was not this a sign from 
above? Am I then alone," thought 
the youth, " Will not heaven assist 
me, if I implore its help, and come 
with courage and confidence to the 
combat?" From that moment he 
was comforted. In due time, he 
gained over himself a complete and 
lasting victory. 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 57 

Never lose courage, Youth ; 
never despair of victory. JN'o one is 
tempted more than he can endure. 
Grod is just — He is merciful. Do 
your part and the grace of God will 
never fail you. 




CHAPTER VIII. 

©hastitlT a most |mious, but c^iiajgilij 
Vessel 

TRULY a most precious vessel, is 
holy chastity ; precious is the 
material — for what is rarer than this 
virtue, especially in youth, when the 
passions of that age resist reason and 
conscience, the dictates of religion, 
and the advice of well-meaning and 
true friends. Precious is the form — 
for this virtue gives youth a certain 
supernatural appearance. Precious 
are the ornaments — for virtues of 
every description bloom in the soul 
of him who is chaste. Precious are 
its contents — a real vessel of honor 
58 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



59 



is he who is pure, a vessel of grace, 
a vessel of predestination. 

This vessel is as brittle, as it is 
precious. To it, we may apply the 
words of the apostle, St. Paul : " We 
carry our treasure in earthen ves- 
sels." Fragile is this vessel, for the 
church teaches us, that the least 
violation of this virtue, if wilfully 
allowed or committed, is mortal sin ; 
fragile too, because our nature draws 
us more vehemently to these sen- 
sual transgressions than to any other 
thing; fragile, because slippery and 
dangerous is the path upon which 
we all must walk here below, im- 
petuous the attack of the world upon 
youth. How easily then, may not 
this vessel be broken, since dangers 



60 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

surround it on every side. We may, 
therefore, judge from this how great 
will be his reward who, notwithstand- 
ing all these perils, carries his vessel 
uninjured through this life, and thus 
delivers it unto the Maker of his 
soul, the infinite, the most holy God. 

Take care, Youth, the greatest 
care. Consider well where you walk. 
Keep this vessel close to you ; avoid 
the multitude, and particularly those 
whose evil intentions you can easily 
perceive^ or whose dangerous com- 
pany you must shun. May your 
holy Guardian Angel be at your side 
in every affliction, and assist you in 
every distress ! 

Example. From St. Aloysius we 
may learn how to carry our treasure 



THE PEARL AMOXG THE VIRTUES. 



61 



in fragile vessels. Being well aware 
of the importance of this undertak- 
ing, he united discretion to the prac- 
tice of prayer and penance. By these 
means, he fortified his innocence w^ith 
an insurmountable Avail. How often 
did he not spend half the night upon 
his knees in prayer, or, if strength 
failed him, extended upon the bare 
floor ? In this condition he was 
found one morning by his attend- 
ants, and upon being upbraided by 
his instructor, he pacified him by the 
words which remind us of those of 
Jesus in the temple : " Did you not 
know that I must be about my 
Father's business?" To his pray- 
ers, and the frequent reception of the 
sacraments, he added corporal works 
6 



62 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

of penance, which, he inflicted with 
such severity that it seems wonder- 
ful how his tender body could endure 
such fasting, and such frequent and 
bloody scourgings. It is a well- 
known fact, that only after many 
refusals, his father granted him per- 
mission to enter the society of Jesus. 
The following circumstance caused 
this worldly-minded man to give his 
consent. In order to obtain the long- 
desired permission, Aloysius, on one 
occasion, scourged himself most un- 
mercifully. An attendant passing by 
the room, heard the lash of the whip, 
and looking through an aperture, 
beheld this most bloody spectacle. 
The father being informed of what 
the servant had seen, was terrified? 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 63 

and running to his son, exclaimed: 
'' Stop, my child, and spare your life. 
Go and carry out your resolution, 
and may God be with you." 

Is vour virtue still untarnished? 
or is the treasure already destroyed ? 
Oh! be more cautious in the future. 
Take care of yourself, and guard 
against the tempter. 




CHAPTER IX. 

CHASTITY is often compared to a 
lily ; there is deep truth in this 
comparison. Three qualities, in par- 
ticular, distinguish this most beauti- 
ful flower ; its slender, rising form — 
its pure and dazzling whiteness — its 
enchanting fragrance. Thus, also, 
the pure youth, looking rather to 
Heaven than to earth, stands erect, 
untouched by the w^orld's defilement, 
— presenting a lovely spectacle to all 
beholders. 

Meanwhile, the deplorable slave of 
his passions lurks about the earth 
64 



THE PEAKL AMO^sG THE VIRTUES. 



65 



like a wild creeping-vine that is 
trodden down by all that pass on 
the way. Low is his manner of 
thinking — low are his inclinations — 
in low things, does he seek his sat- 
isfaction^ his consolation, his com- 
fort; heaven he renounces, for the 
'^ mountain of the Lord he alone can 
ascend, who has pure hands and a 
pure heart" — only the present mo- 
ment attracts his attention ; to enjoy 
it is his endeavor — the other world, 
Heaven, is lost to his view. 

White is the lily, stately in its 
modest lustre ; the eye rests with 
pleasure upon its spotless calyx, 
which opens toward Heaven thence 
to receive heavenly dew, and thither 
to send its heavenly odor. 



66 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

Faded, colorless and soiled, is the 
unchaste youth — loathsome to God, 
and pitied, or despised and rejected, 
by all who have a knowledge of his 
crimes. 'No rich garment, no odor- 
ous ointment, no snowy pearl-white, 
no precious ornament, can cover his 
deformity. He who is not chaste, 
is not beautiful before God ; there 
is no beauty without purity. What 
enchanting fragrance does not the 
lily send forth ! Every passer by 
enjoys it. 

Chastity exhales the most precious 
odors before God and man. The 
heavenly Bridegroom, as the Bible 
informs us, ''loves to linger among 
the lilies." Even the most sensual 
persons are wonderfully attracted by 



THE PEAKL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 67 

purity. It is said that saints, espe- 
cially St. Philip 'Neri, could detect 
the pure from the impure, by their 
peculiar odor. The special mark of 
this virtue is, that it reminds one of 
Paradise, and makes its possessor an 
object of envy (so to speak) in the 
sight of the angels. And when you 
see this lily, this emblem of purity, 
in the hands of a St. Joseph, a St. 
Aloysius, then resolve : '' I will be 
a lily, to the joy of Heaven, to the 
adornment of this earth, to my own 
glory." 

Example. It is related, that one 
day some boys, one of whom was 
Bernard, a San Maurizio, were re- 
turning from a pious pilgrimage, 
they came near the sea-shore where 



68 



THE PEAEL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



they saw a man sitting in a skiff, 
which was fastened to the beach. No 
sooner did he perceive them, than he 
burnt with lustful -desires, and leav- 
ing his boat, tried to seize one of the 
boys. The latter, however, under- 
stood his evil intentions. The effect 
uj)on them was similar to that pro- 
duced by a hawk, when it suddenly 
descends upon a flock of pigeons. 
From their lips came forth cries of 
anguish, and hastening away, they 
came breathless to the village. This 
lustful man running after them, or- 
dered them to halt; he threatened 
them, and commanded them to do 
his bidding. But they did not stop 
until they reached a little chapel at 
the end of the village, where, pros- 



THE PFARL AMONG TUE VIRTUES. 



69 



trating themselves before a picture 
of the Blessed Virgin, they returned 
thanks for this almost miraculous 
preservation of their holy chastity. 
How tenderly, how lovingly, must 
not Mary, the Queen of Angels, have 
looked down upon this band of lit- 
tle heroes! Dissolute is this world, 
which calls you with its alluring 
voice. Powerful are the passions 
which pursue you hither and thither. 
Dissolute, also, are many persons, 
who seek only their own gratifica- 
tion, without having the least care 
for your soul's salvation. Shun 
them, flee to Mary Immaculate. In 
her hands, place your lily, there it 
will be secure. 



CHAPTER X. 

d^lmsiitg a feitrl 

CHASTITY is, truly, a pearl, a 
gem, yaluable in itself, and 
lovely to behold. The worth of 
Chastity consists, partly in this, that 
it keeps within bounds that passion, 
which is, above all others, difficult 
to govern, and that it renders the 
soul and the body worthy habitations 
of God. Indeed chastity makes the 
soul a magnificent sanctuary, closed 
to the corruption of this world ; for, it 
is well known how carefully he, that 
is chaste, withdraws from earth's vain 
allurements. Being strict towards 
70 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 71 

himself, he keeps a guard over his 
senses. 

Whilst the impure youth decays, 
and, like a ruinous building, crumbles 
away, whilst, like a porous stone, he 
imbibes the impressions of a sinful 
world ; we find the pure youth, aided 
by the fear of God, growing stronger 
under his many trials and eiforts, 
until he becomes like the ^diamond, 
which receives no other impressions 
than those of the light. He becomes 
a truly heavenly pearl, unknown to 
man, and perhaps even to himself— 
but all the more precious and bright 
before God, the only judge of true 
worth. 

Chastity is the pearl of pearls, for 
it is seldom found. Where are our 



12 



THE PEARL AMO^'G THE VIRTUES. 



Josephs of Egypt, our Aloysiuses, 
our Casimers? Though we have 
even now a fair number of pure 
youths, the number of the dissolute, 
of the truly prodigal sons, is incom- 
parably greater. '' Polluted is the 
earth by its inhabitants, says holy 
Writ, for thcit reason does God's 
curse eat the land, and its inhabi- 
tants suffer." 

Chastity is the pearl of pearls — 
for, from it, the other virtues re- 
receive their lustre; it is chastity, 
which, like a precious stone, serves 
as a focus of light for all other 
virtues. 

We may well suppose, Youth, 
that the precious pearl of which the 
Bible says, that he who has found it, 



THE PEARL AMOKG THE VIRTUES. / O 

goes and sells all he possesses, in 
order to buy it, is holy chastity. 
Yon nriust also be ready to sacrifice 
all other things for the sake of pre- 
serving your chastity. You should 
consider no sacrifice too great, no 
difficulty too severe, if you can there- 
by obtain this pearl — chastity. Oh ! 
how this pearl will one day shine in 
your eternal crown of bliss ! 

Example. Celebrated in church his- 
tory is the young Nicetas, who was 
a martyr both for his virtue, and for 
his faith. In vain did the Arian 
tyrant use every endeavor to cause 
this noble youth to renounce his 
faith; however, he still hoped to 
gain his point by tempting him to 
sin. Nicetas was then flattered — he 
7 



74 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



was placed upon a delicious bed of 
roses, and tied upon it with purple 
cords. Whilst he was in this help- 
less condition, a tempting siren was 
sent to him. When all means had 
been exhausted, and all caresses were 
in vain, his tormentors were about to 
use force. But Nicetas had already 
conquered. With one powerful ef- 
fort, he divided his tongue, and with 
a stream of blood, spat it into the 
face of this new Potiphar. Terror- 
stricken she fled, and Mcetas, doubly 
victorious, made his triumphal march 
into the Kingdom of Heaven. Well 
did this hero know how valuable is 
this pearl of chastity. 

Would you not like, Youth, to 
be similar to Nicetas, at least so 



THE PEAHL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 75 

far, that you ^vould engage in an 
unbloody battle (for which occasion 
is offered daily) to obtain the pearl 
of purity? Certainly, one is unwil- 
ling to make a sacrifice for that 
which he does not value. Learn, 
therefore, from day to day, to prize 
this virtue highly — then you will 
consider no sacrifice too great. 




CHAPTER XI. 

d^hastifi), the ^ritit of il^ ^m of (iol 

THIS virtue of chastity, like cer- 
tain fruits, must be enclosed by 
a strong shell, in order to ripen and 
to harden — so that it may be safe 
against every rude attack. No vir- 
tue, and chastity the least of all, 
will take root, and bring forth fruit, 
without the fear of God. 

The fear of God is a certain holy 
aversion of offending the Divine 
Majesty, a certain salutary awe, 
which compels us in time of great 
temptation to say with Joseph of 
Egypt: ''How then, can I do this 
76 



THE. PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



77 



wicked thing, and sin against my 
God?" It is this fear of God, which 
in such decisive moments, presents 
to our mind, true pictures of divine 
vengeance, so that we refuse our con- 
sent, and cry out : " Rather die, than 
sin ; " it is this fear of God which 
shows us the fire from heaven that 
consumed Sodom and Gomorrha; it 
is this fear which places us, as it 
were, before our heavenly Judge, and 
opens before us the book of life; it 
is this holy fear which causes the 
sound of the trumpet of the last 
judgment to fall upon our ear, and 
discloses to our view the bottomless 
pit of never-ending pains, warning 
us : " Desist ; ' it is terrible to fall 

into the hands of the living God' — 

7:1: 



78 



THE PEAEL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



for you might die in the sinful act, 
die shortly after it, without prepara- 
tion — and then — ? '* 

Most powerful fear of Grod, you 
are a holy bridle, well able to check 
even the most dissolute nature, you 
are the powerful barrier which has 
prevented many persons from leap- 
ing into the abyss of helL You are 
the secret remedy, which by day 
and by night, when we are alone, 
and with others, under all circum- 
stances, even in the homes of ease 
and plenty, saves us from the dire- 
ful temptations of the flesh and of 
the world. 

Particularly necessary is this fear 
of God for the maintenance of a 
virtue, the violations of which, are 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 79 

screened from the eyes of men, and 
are committed in the most secret 
seclusion. Let this bridle check 
your passion — by this barrier be 
held back. Let this charm exercise 
its influence over you. '' The fear 
of the Lord expels sin." 

Example. Once there lived a youth 
whose life became daily more and 
more involved in a labyrinth of sin. 
Kind warnings he did not heed ; the 
voice of his conscience he stifled by 
committing new crimes. It hap- 
pened, one day, that he passed 
through a \yood, and, feeling ex- 
hausted from his walk, he lay down 
under a tree and fell asleep. Sud- 
denly, he heard a voice crying, " Oh ! 
terrible it is to fall into the hands of 



80 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



a just God." Was it a dream, or 
was there some one near him ? At 
the same time, it seemed to him that 
the Blessed Virgin Mary stood by 
his side, and held before him his 
sins. He now called upon her, 
whom he had formerly honored as 
his mother, but he was again terri- 
fied by hearing a voice exclaim : 
'' What ! shall I do like you ? Shall 
I be as changeable as you?" He 
was now filled with fear. Again, he 
begged the Blessed Virgin to assist 
him, but she turned away from him. 
He now awoke bathed in perspira- 
tion. He thought much about this 
occurrence, recollected how long he 
had neglected the grace of God, 
which had urged him to return to 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



81 



virtue, and, at last, resolved to go 
immediately to confession. He not 
only was converted, but henceforth 
gave himself to the special service 
of God, and died in the odor of 
sanctity. 

There are, undoubtedly, moments 
of such strong temptation, that only 
the thought of hell can deter us from 
sin. Fear hell, that you may be 
saved. 




CHAPTER XII. 

(KhasUtg, the ^ruit of a grfat louc for 
(iol 

HOAV beautiful, liow amiable is 
God! He is wholly light— in 
Him there is no shadow. Being per- 
fect by nature, He possesses every 
good quality in an infinite degree. 
He is infinite wisdom, He is justice 
and holiness. He is omnipotence, 
greatness and majesty. 

How good is God, how liberal, 
mild and merciful! Now, as in the 
past. He bestows on us numberless 
blessings. Out of nothingness He 
has brought us forth, endowed with 
82 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 83 

the most excellent gifts of nature and 
grace; by the precious blood of His 
divine Son were we redeemed, and 
made members of His holy church. 
Innumerable treasures of grace have 
been offered to us, and are only 
waiting to be received. '' What 
more is there that I ought to do to 
my vineyard, that I have not done 
to it?" 

Does not such a great, such a 
good, such an amiable God deserve 
that we should return His love and 
that through love for Him Ave should 
shun sin, and particularly that sin, 
which is in special contradiction to 
His nature, because it is so vile, so 
degrading, so detestable ? 



84 THE PEAKL AMOJS'G THE VIRTUES. 

Should not that love, which from 
all eternity He has shown, and still 
continues to show us, be able to 
prevail upon us to bring a sacrifice, 
the first fruits of which will tend to 
our own benefit, by ennobling us, 
and raising us up to God, the purest 
spirit ? 

Oh ! may the love of God, with • 
a holy fire consume in your youth- 
ful heart all love of earth ! Let 
this supernatural fire penetrate, and 
spread through every fibre of your 
heart Let the concupiscence of the 
world die within it — then every low^ 
propensity shall die — then sensuality 
shall leave it ; then, purified by fire 
from heaven, your heart shall hence- 
forth be a pure temple of the most 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



85 



pure God ; a temple resounding with 
the songs of angels, and fragrant with 
the rich odor of heroic self-denial. 

Example. In the year of our Lord^ 
270, Agapitus, a youth of noble 
birth, aged fifteen years, suffered 
the most cruel death .for his faith. 
In the struggles for the preservation 
of his chastity, his soul had acquired 
that courage, which afterwards made 
him one of the most glorious mar- 
tyrs of Christ. Seized by order of 
the Emperor Aurelian, he was first 
most cruelly scourged, and then left 
for four days in a horrible dungeon, 
without food or drink. They next 
brought burning coals to lay upon 
his head. But Agapitus, anticipat- 
ing this design, took the coals him 
8 



86 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

self, and placed them like a burning 
wreath upon his brow. The furious 
executioners hanged him up by his 
feet, and lighted a fire under him. 
Again, four tormentors came to 
scourge him after which he was 
immersed in boiling water. His 
jaws were broken ; he was thrown 
before the lions. Left untouched by 
them, this innocent child came at 
last to his end by the sword ; and 
upon his head, where only a few 
moments before a crown of fire had 
rested, now was placed the bright 
crown of martyrdom. 

Agapitus seemed, by the fire of 
the love of God which burnt within 
him, to have become insensible to 
the fire kindled by his executioners. 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 87 

Do you love God, Youth, do you 
love sublime, supernatural things ? 
If so, all base things will be loath- 
some to you, and all darts of the 
venomous love of the world will 
rebound from your heart, tried by 
the love of God. 



CHAPTER XIIT. 

d- hastiin, the ,ginni of n S^nqumi (gxam- 
nmiion of fonsdenq. 

OH ! that we would always listen 
to the Avarnings'of conscience! 
Oh ! that we were trulv docile to its 
dictates ! for conscience is nothing 
else than the voice of God within 
us. Here, in our innermost heart, 
He shows Himself as the Holy One, 
the enemy of all evil. Here, He 
makes known His will and His 
aversions. Here, He contradicts, 
threatens, terrifies, — encourages, at- 
tracts, urges. Particularly in regard 
to holy purity, we find conscience a 
most enlightened, and well-meaning 
88 ' 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



89 



adviser. But if it is true, that con- 
science is the voice of God within 
us, and that God is the Most Holv 
One, with what earnestness, then, 
must conscience warn us, when we 
are tempted to do things that are in 
direct opposition to the sanctity of 
the Most High ! Ah I at such a 
time, the heart and pulse beat audi- 
bly, the blood boils up, the cheek 
flushes, and it seems as if some one 
were holding us back. But what if 
the evil has been done? Then the 
heart is desolate — then it resembles 
a house visited by death, through 
which these words resound : ^^ All is 
finished, all is lost, woe to me I ^^ 

In matters pertaining to holy chas- 
tity, conscience must be our special 
8* 



90 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

teacher and adviser; for violations 
of this virtue beings generally, hid- 
den from the eyes of man, only the 
Omnipresent can be om- witness, 
accusing or acquitting us. 

Moreover, when a passion first 
arises, which if unnoticed, or un- 
conquered in its beginning, will soon 
enkindle to a great flame difficult to 
be extinguished, it is certainly of the 
greatest importance that the voice of 
conscience be not unheeded. How 
many youths would have been spared 
numberless transgressions and the 
most bitter sorrow, if this inward 
monitor had not been disregarded at 
the decisive moment in which their 
innocence was destroyed ! 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



91 



Keep always a tender conscience. 
Shun anxiety, bat be ever true to 
yourself. Of what use is it now to 
deceive yourself, since at the great 
day of judgment, everything will be 
brought to light, and be laid open to 
the whole world? Do you hear? 
Everything — ! 

Example. A priest was one day 
called to a dying young man, whose 
confessor he had been formerlv. 
Alas ! he found him dead. The 
father could then only pray. He 
knelt down with the family of the 
deceased, and most fervently recom- 
mended the soul of the departed to 
the eternal Judge, before whom it 
had just been summoned. Imagine 
the terror of all present, when the 



92 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



deceased, or he whom they had con- 
sidered dead, moved, opened his 
eyes, raised his head, and exclaimed 
in tones that made them tremble: 
''Alas! I have deceived myself." 
Uttering these words a second, and 
a third time, he fell back upon his 
pillow, and expired. 

'' I have deceived myself." What 
did he mean by this? The priest 
could explain. Several times, lately, 
this youth had expressed the opinion 
that certain sensual actions which 
young men were apt to commit, could 
not, possibly, be considered so very 
grievous. " ISTobody seemed to re- 
gard them as sinful ; and besides, it 
was impossible for youth to abstain 
from all these things." He had 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 93 

deceived himself. In the light of 
eternit}^, many things appear dif- 
ferent. 

Be true to yourself, Youth. Par- 
ticularly in regard to holy purity, 
never make yourself guilty of a wil- 
ful deception. How difficult will it 
be to uproot the tall weeds when 
luxuriantly grown, if you neglect to 
remove the poisonous plant in its 
early development. 




CHAPTER XIV. 

MnidxfnlmBS. 

OUR heart is like a fortress, which 
is besieged on every side, and 
still we must defend it, otherwise 
it will be destroyed — otherwise our 
soul will fall into the most ignomini- 
ous bondage. Hence we must be 
equally brave and watchful. Yes, 
Youth, without vigilance, no chastity. 
He who keeps all the gates open, 
and who leaves the watch towers 
without sentinels, will soon learn 
from the victorious shouts of the 
enemy who has entered, that the 
94 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



95 



fortress has been taken, and that 
nothing is left to him but shame, 
slavery and destruction. Above all, 
watch your eyes; most frequently, 
through them, does death come to the 
soul. Untimely curiosity, a want of 
self-government and of self-denial, 
and a desire to see and to know 
every thing, are the causes that have 
frequently changed many a fortress 
hitherto impregnable into a citadel 
of the enemy, or have destroyed it, 
leaving it only a desolate ruin. Even 
granted that the wilfully immodest 
look be no sin, how easily will it not 
give rise to the bad thought, the 
sinful imagination, the wrong desire, 
which may then generate the evil 
deed ! 



S6 



THE PEAEL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



Picture to yourself a youth, whose 
shameless eyes rest upon everything, 
even upon the vilest, with concupis- 
cence ; who devours with the eyes, 
now an immodest picture, now an 
enticing figure; who frequents those 
balls and theatres which are, even 
in our day, snares to virtue and to 
innocence, and let me ask you, is it 
not as difficult for such a youth to 
continue pure, as for an earthen ves- 
sel, dropped from the top of a tower, 
to remain uninjured? 

The saints understood these dan- 
gers, when they left the great cities, 
when they exercised a watchfulness 
over their eyes, and all their other 
senses, that might well seem carried 
to excess — or that, at least, we would 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 97 

be tempted to consider unnecessary. 
But they knew the weakness of hu- 
man nature, they knew that in temp- 
tations against purity, flight ensures 
Adctory; that, ''he who loves danger 
shall perish therein ; " lastly, that 
treasures are only safe from robbers, 
when they are carefully guarded by 
lock and key. How often has not 
a small spark caused a great confla- 
gration? Thus a like result is pro- 
duced by the evil thought, which was 
caused by the evil glance. 

Make, therefore, Youth, a cove- 
nant with your eyes, for the benefit 
of your soul. Be cautious, watchful, 
manly. Incline rather to an excess 
of care, than to irresoluteness. ''A 
wise man feareth and declineth from 
9 



98 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



evil; the fool leapetli over, and is 
confident," says Holy Scripture. 

Exami^le. Benedict, who was born 
in the year of our Lord 480, spent 
the first years of his youth in the 
quiet retirement of country life. — 
When he afterwards went to Rome 
to attend the public schools, the 
depravity of this city, still partly 
heathen, and especially of his fel- 
low-students, made such an impres- 
sion upon the innocent child, that at 
the age of fourteen he left Rome and 
retired into the solitude of the Sim- 
brivinian mountains. There he lived 
in a grotto given up to prayer and 
penance; and directed by the Holy 
Ghost, prepared himself for the great 
and important vocation that God had 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



99 



destined for him. But, strange to 
say, Benedict, who had fled from the 
allurements of Rome, was followed 
by the natural depravity of nature 
into his retreat at Subiaco. A time 
came when he was obliged to de- 
cide whether flesh and blood should 
conquer him, or whether he should 
conquer flesh and blood. An im- 
pure representation attacked him, by 
which he was so much affected, that 
he could only conquer it by rolling 
himself over thistles and thorns, 
until he bled profusely from his 
whole body, and as St. Gregory says, 
*'he changed lust into pain, and by 
the pain of the body, withheld the 
wounding of his soul." Truly, St. 
Benedict spoke from experience. 



100 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



when in after-life he made use of 
these words, '' that he with confi- 
dence might expect eternal life, who 
set at naught the evil spirit, the 
tempter, by forcing him with his 
insinuations from the threshold of 
the heart, and by dashing the still 
young brood of evil suggestions on 
the rock, w^hich is Christ.'* 

How far are you advanced in self- 
government? Do you restrain your 
eyes, your other senses — or, are you 
carried away by them as a rider by 
an unmanageable steed? Conquer 
yourself, be modest and retiring; 
you will escape numerous and diffi- 
cult combats, if you are cautious and 
practice self-denial. 



CHAPTER XV. 

dlhastitji, tk 4ntit of a |nttlcnt 

IT is not sufficient to defend the 
ramparts and gates of a fortress ; 
the interior also must be well pro- 
vided with provisions and ammuni- 
tion ; it must be entrusted to a tried 
and efficient officer, who will enforce 
strict discipline, and who will con- 
duct the defense. Sometimes, temp- 
tations arise, like an enemy that 
comes from a subterranean lurking- 
place. It is of the utmost import- 
ance to resist these immediately, 
and with great decision. How many 
are shamefully conquered, because 
9* 101 



102 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



they do not immediately encounter 
the enemy, or do it but carelessly! 
The enemy makes use of his advan- 
tage and of their remissness, rushes 
forward, presses on, conquers, and is 
master of the place. How impetuous 
is nature frequently ! How easy it is 
to lose the decisive moment! How 
many a youth is chained before he 
is aware of it, and weeps in the dark- 
ness of sin over his irresoluteness, 
his delay, his cowardice! 

Watch, also, most carefully over 
your heart — your whole person. Suf- 
fer not the slightest fault to pass 
unnoticed. A well- polished mirror 
is tarnished by the faintest breath ; 
thus does chastity lose its beauty and 
splendor, by the least sinful conces- 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 103 

sion to tlie cravings of our corrupt 
nature. If a flame is allowed to 
burn but for a moment, it makes 
an impression ; in the same manner, 
every evil passion (yielded to) dims 
the lustre of the soul. If you walk 
upon a slippery path, or descend a 
precipitous abyss you may succeed 
in reaching the place of your destina-' 
tion ; but are you sure of this? Steep 
is the descent, slippery is the path — - 
how far may not the evil propensities 
of the flesh draw you along if you 
give yourself up to them even for a 
moment? You are ''carrying your 
treasure in brittle vessels" — you 
know it — would it not then be pre- 
sumptuous, careless, foolish, to min- 
gle with the world, and allow our 



104 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



passions every liberty, and thu§ go 
falteringly on through, life. 

Therefore, Youth, arm yourself 
with a holy severity. If you are 
master of your heart now, whilst 
you are young, and whilst it is so 
difficult, how easily will you retain 
this control in later years, when 
' passion will have diminished ! 

Example. Casimir, King elect of 
Hungary, son of Casimir III., King 
of Poland, was noted from his very 
youth, for the purity of his morals 
and his severity toward himself. 
Nothing was more odious in his 
sight, than the pomp, or the effemi- 
nacy of the court. 

Hence, he always wore the plain- 
est clothes, slept often upon the bare 



tiihpeahl among the virtues. 



105 



ground, and spent also a portion of 
the night (frequently before the 
church door) in prayer, and adora- 
tion of the Most Blessed Sacrament. 
Well-known is the hymn of praise 
ascribed to him, in honor of the 
Blessed Virgin Mary: ^'Omni Die" 
— '^ Daily, daily, sing to Mary," a 
copy of which he wished to have 
buried with him. Casimir lived in 
the strictest continency. On account 
of his love for holy virginity, he 
could not be persuaded to marry, 
although his physicians advised him 
to enter this state of life ; all their 
remonstrances were in vain, because 
of his resolution, " Malo mori, quam 
foedari." I would rather die than 
lose my virginity. Iii his 25tli year 



106 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES, 



he died the death of a saint. One 
hundred and twenty years after- 
wards, his body was found incor- 
rupt, — even the clothing was unin- 
jured, although the vault was very 
damp, and hence very favorable to 
a rapid decomposition. Thus, some- 
times, does God honor, even after 
death, this virtue of virtues. What 
honor must then be waiting the soul, 
which has exercised such a dominion 
over the body ! 

Oh! fight the good fight, w^ith all 
the determination of which you are 
possessed. Meet the tempter imme- 
diately and undauntedly, and let 
your watch-word be, " Malo mori, 
quam foedari" — chaste, I will re- 
main — at any cost. 



CHAPTER Xyi. 

(l{hast% the 4^uit of frager. 

LL k ^D as I knew," these are the 
jLjL words of the Book of Wis- 
dom, ^'that I could not otherwise be 
continent, except God gave it, ... I 
went to the Lord, and besought Him 
with my whole heart." 

Oh ! how necessary prayer is in 
order to remain chaste, or to return 
to chastity. Prayer, as an elevation 
of our minds to God, as a conversa- 
tion with the Almighty, brings us 
near to Him, the Most Pure. The 
more frequently, and the more fer- 
vently we pray, the nearer do we 
approach God, the nearer does He 

107 



108 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

come to us. But what is the effect 
of a close communication of man 
with man? Gradual assimilation. 
God is the purest spirit. Hence 
it is not surprising, that whoever 
communes frequently with Him in 
prayer, should become more and 
more spiritual, — further and further 
removed from all that is displeasing 
in His sight. 

Since God is the fountain of all 
grace, and since] the necessary con- 
dition for obtaining His help is 
prayer, it is, therefore, of the great- 
est importance for the preservation 
or restoration of holy chastity. God 
wishes us to pray for everything — 
thus has He ordained, and He has 
promised that He will certainly hear 



THE PEARL AMOKG THE VIRTUES. 109 

can rely upon this the more implic- 
itly, in proportion as the favor we 
implore is more necessary for om* 
welfare and more pleasing to God. 
JN'ever does He refuse His good spirit 
to them that ask Him, and could 
there be a better spirit, a spirit 
which God would rather give than 
the spirit of purity? 

Therefore, if you wish to remain 
chaste, be not only faithful, truly 
faithful in your daily prayers and 
pious practices, but pray often and 
explicitly-, for the spirit of chastity. 
Endeavor also in all things to have 
a constant remembrance of God. Ac- 
custom yourself from time to time to 
faithful and persevering prayer. We 
turn heavenward — either by renewing 
10 



110 



THE PEARL AMOKG TUE VIRTUES. 



your good intention, by a short act of 
love, or by some pious aspiration. 

Above all, the vivid recollection of 
the divine Omnipresence, will deter 
you in every temptation from com- 
mitting sin, fill you with strength 
and consolation, stimulate you to the 
good, and even animate you with a 
desire of undertaking what is diffi- 
cult and sublime. And since in the 
presence of a good person, who enter- 
tains a favorable opinion of you, you 
would be unwillino; to do anvthing 
that would bring the blush of shame 
to your cheek, or that would degrade 
you in his eyes, you should therefore 
be still more reluctant to commit the 
slightest fault against purity, in the 
presence of God who is most holy. 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



Ill 



Example, In his sixteenth year, St. 
Charles Borromeo was sent to Pavia 
to study law. But a boundless de- 
pravity then reigned in that city. 
Several thousand students from 
every part of the world met there, 
lived together, and immorality pre- 
vailed even in the very school-rooms. 
'' Hardly any one could escape un- 
contaminated, " says a celebrated 
writer; "from all sides, at all times, 
in all places, were the newly-arrived 
tempted and seduced." Charles, how- 
ever, preserved his purity. Whilst 
others occupied their time with tri- 
fles, or spent it at theatres, at the 
card-table, in the ball-room, at a 
fencing-school, or in some dissolute 
company, Charles devoted himself to 



112 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

prayer and study. He could not 
listen to idle worldly talk, but 
double-meaning, or unchaste conver- 
sations caused him the greatest suf- 
fering. In ev^ery instance, his victory 
was purchased by a timely flight. It 
is also related that he frustrated an 
evil design against him, by leaving 
the house where the snare had been 
laid for him late at night. 

Do you see what can be eifected by 
prayer? how it purifies the youth, 
and elevates and strengthens him? 
Deplorable the youth that shuns 
prayer — for he cannot be chaste. 

Blessed he to whom prayer is a 
comfort, a duty, a necessity — for he 
is pure, and will daily increase in 
purity. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

(]{ksti% the 4ruit nf the Sacrament of 

THERE is no more efficacious, no 
more necessary means to remain 
or to become, chaste, than the fre- 
quent and worthy reception of the 
holy Sacrament of Penance. It would 
be a vain deception to undertake so 
difficult a task, without the special 
help of grace. Grace, sacramental 
grace, must assist us ; yes, and we 
should be directed by a minister sent 
from God. Endeavor then, to find an 
experienced confessor, to whom, how- 
ever, you must give your entire con- 
fidence. Disclose to him your soul 
10^ 113 



114 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

without reserve. Reveal to him your ' 
combats, your victories, your defeats. 
Be instructed by him about those 
things that are not clear to you, 
suffer him to chide you when you 
have been imprudent, to encourage 
you when you have been weak, to 
console you when you are alarmed, 
to comfort you when you are de- 
pressed. How welcome to your soul 
will be every word which God by his 
priest shall address to you! From 
how many snares of the devil shall 
his experienced hand not rescue you ! 
Do not forget this : God gives that 
priest, in whom you repose confi- 
dence, special graces for your sake, 
because one day he will have to 
render an account of your soul. 



t 
THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 115 

But, be not too dilatory in the 
reception of so useful a sacrament. 
Do not then apply. to the physician 
of your soul only when you are sick 
unto death — seek rather his assist- 
ance for the preservation of 'your 
spiritual health. Confess often, con- 
fess carefully, confess with great con- 
fidence in the efficacy of this heav- 
enly means to preserve, or recover 
your virtue. 

Oh ! how manv owe to this divine 

*/ 

sacrament alone their salvation ! 
How many would still lie captive in 
the chains of a shameful habit, how 
many would never have escaped 
from the poisonous infection of a 
sensual love, if God had not led 
them to a spiritual father, who as- 



116 



THE PEARL AMONG THE yiPwTUES. 



sistecl them to break those chains, 
and to escape froni such perils ! 

Example, At a very tender age, 
St. Francis of Sales was sent to the 
University to complete his studies. 
The general corruption of morals 
might have become dangerous to 
him also, had he not lived in re- 
tirement, received the sacrament of 
penance every week, and prosecuted 
his studies with great energy and 
diligence. By his gentleness, and 
the purity of heart which was de- 
picted on his countenance, Francis 
soon won the admiration and affec- 
tion of all who came into contact 
with him. Nevertheless^ there were 
demons in human form, Avho had 
entered into a conspiracy against 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 117 

his innocence. Under the plea of a 
necessary visit, these monsters suc- 
ceeded in enticing him into a house 
where his virtue was endangered. 
The innocent youth was not aware of 
the great dangers prepared for him, 
till, one by one, his companions left 
him, and he was urged with great 
importunity to do wrong. Francis 
was soon resolved ; he grasped a 
burning piece of wood from the fire- 
place, and defended himself against 
the attempted violence. A similar 
incident is related of St. Thomas 
Aquinas. Of St. Bernard it is re- 
lated, that in a similar danger, he 
cried, ^'robber, robber," until assist- 
ance arrived. 



118 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

Receive, Youth, frequently and 
worthily the holy Sacrament of Pen- 
ance, and you will experience wonder- 
ful effects. It cannot be otherwise, 
for who knew better the necessities 
of the human heart than the God- 
Man, Jesus Christ, who in'stituted 
this sacrament? 



CHAPTER XYIII. 

d^hastttg, the 4ruit of (M\M\i\\t 

THERE are times in the life of a 
youth, when it is particularly 
important that he should not stand 
alone, but should allow his hand or 
rather his heart to rest in the hand 
of his spiritual father. It is true, 
the father and mother are the natu- 
ral friends of the child ; but there 
are, at times, profound secrets buried 
in the deepest recesses of the heart, 
which no one has either the power 
or the right to lay open, but he to 
whom God has given the key of the 

119 



120 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

human heart, as well as the key of 
Heaven. 

]^ot immediately, does the vice of 
impurity with all its evil conse- 
quences overcome youth. The poi- 
sonous shrub was once a small seed, 
an unnoticed little plant. In its 
early growth, then,^ it should be 
carefully sought, and when discov- 
ered, be destroyed by the experi- 
enced hand. of the spiritual gardener, 
the confessor. 

In order, however, that this be 
possible to the friend of your con- 
fidence, you, Youth, must permit 
him to enter even the deepest re- 
cesses of your heart ; you must show 
yourself to him as you are, you must 
not be afraid to speak to him about 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 121 

those things which cause you any 
uneasiness, about which you com- 
mence to feel uneasy, or in thinking 
about which, you feel a more rapid 
pulsation of your heart, a warning of 
your conscience ; to be surprised in 
which, would cause you pain. Only, 
in this way, you can escape the most 
cruel deception, and, perhaps, even 
innumerable sins. 

If you neglect to improve the 
proper moment, perchance later, 
only a painful operation can cure 
that, which, at first, a skilful hand 
might have removed without trouble 
or suffering. Therefore, be commu- 
nicative, be single-minded, be con- 
fiding ; notwithstanding the most 
delicate timidity, be, as it w^ere, a 
11 



122 



THE PEAEL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



clear mirror, which reflects even the 
least blemish. Only in this way can 
you possess true peace of heart. Xot 

onlv the wound caused by a thrust 

t. %, 

of the dagger pains; but also that 
produced, by a small thorn which 
was permitted to fester. 

Example, Peter Canisius, to whom 
Germany owes so much, was a model 
of strict chastity, and of zeal for 
prayer, from his earliest youth. So 
pure and edifying was his deport- 
ment, that the people would not un- 
frequently ask one another, '• What 
a one, think ye, shall this child be ? " 
When he was fourteen years old, 
he was sent from Xymweguen, his 
birth-place, to Cologne, there to com- 
plete his studies. Young men, at this 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



123 



period, were very depraved, because 
of the strono^ hold the new heresy 
had gained upon the minds of the 
people. Higher and higher rose the 
flood of immorality. But the mer- 
ciful God had compassion on this 
child, whom He destined one day' 
to be the champion of the true faith 
and of the ancient church. He gave 
him as a fatherly friend and spiritual 
adviser, a pious and learned priest 
named, Nicholas Van der Esche. 
How grateful was Canisius in after 
life for this signal favor ! How care- 
fully did he make use of it for the 
benefit of his soul and for the cause 
of God! He himself says in his 
Confessions : '• Praise the Lord, my 
soul, and never forget His kind 



124 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



mercies in giving you such a mas- 
ter and daily guide to piety, whose 
ej^es were directed upon you, and 
your salvation, with love and dili- 
gent care. . . . His advice, his man- 
ners, his example of virtue, gave to 
my mind a new life; by his help I 
was enabled to check the hasty emo- 
tions and foolish desires of youth ; 
his company amply repaid me for 
the loss of any other. . . . 'Not only 
in confession I opened my heart to 
him, but, also, frequently before I 
retired at night I revealed to him 
(such was my confidence) all my 
transgressions, all my faults, and 
gave him an account of how I spent 
the day; then, when he thought it 
advisable, I received from him a 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 125 

penance for my sins. I acknowl- 
edge and praise in all humility the 
mercies of God, who, in this manner, 
directed all my ways to virtue. 

*' I believe, that it was a special 
act of Divine Providence that di- 
rected me to this man, w^ho was to 
teach me how^ to be more closely 
united to God. When once, I stayed 
away from him longer than usual, 
and was enjoying myself at home 
more than was prudent, and it 
seemed as if I were about to com- 
mence a more unrestrained life, God 
sent him to me in order to awake 
me, as it were, to a sense of my 
duties, to punish me for my heed- 
lessness, to help me to rise after 
my fall, and after my return to 



126 



THE PEARL AMONG THE YIRTUES. 



God, to strengthen me by his care 
and endeavors in the path of virtue." 

Some years after, Ganisiiis made 
the acquaintance of Peter Faber of 
the Society of Jesus ; under his di- 
rection he went through the spiritual 
exercises of St. Ignatius, and, moved 
by the grace of God, joined the 
Society. 

Hence, you see, of what benefit it 
is to be candid, and to suffer one's 
self to be guided. Even if one were 
already confirmed in doing good, and 
making progress therein, it would 
still be beneficial to him, and would 
save him many a mistake, if he had 
a guide in whom were united, love 
and care for his soul, with experience 
and discretion. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Clhafititi), tlic ^ixxni of i\u ircad of Jinuels. 

WITH deep signification is the 
Blessed Sacrament called the 
''Bread of Angels," the ''Wheat of 
the elect," and the "Wine which 
generates virgins. 

"The Bread of Angels!" We 
must be pure, in the state of grace, 
if we wish to receive it worthily — 
but received worthily, it strengthens 
us in virtue, and especially in holy 
chastity. "The food of angels," gives 
us the virtue of angels. The Lord 
knowing well the combats which 
flesh and blood cause us, and Avish- 
ing us to become daily more and 

127 



128 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



more like to Him, and to possess 
the life, and ''a more plentiful life," 
deposited in His church the highest 
measure of graces, that He in His 
omnipotence, in His generosity, in 
His liberality, could bestow: He 
gave Himself to us — ^'The Wheat 
of the Elect." Does not our Lord 
Himself say : '' He that eateth my 
flesh, and drinketh my blood, re- 
maineth in me, and I in him?" 
Where Jesus dwells, purity abides. 
If, then, we permit Jesus often, 
very often, to come to our souls, — 
if He nourishes, strengthens, enno- 
bles, sanctifies them, will they not 
become stronger, holier, more capa- 
ble of doing good and further re- 
moved from all that is sensual? 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



129 



*' The Wine which generates Vir- 
gins." It is Christ's blood that we 
receive, the blood of the purest Jesus 
— of the God-Man ! And this blood 
becomes our drink — we are sanctified 
by partaking of the flesh and blood 
of Christ. 

The prodigies of virginity in the 
'New Law, the numberless heroic 
deeds of the pure of heart, were pos- 
sible only through the power of the 
Most Blessed Sacrament. Strength- 
ened by it, and as St. Chrysostom 
says, '' made like to lions," these 
chaste souls fought valiantly against 
flesh and blood, until they won the 
palm of an unbloody martyrdom. 

If your chastity is dear to you, 
Youth, be an ardent lover of the 



130 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



Blessed Sacrament. Assist every 
clay, if possible, at the holy sacrifice 
of Mass. Approach frequently, and 
with due preparation, the holy table 
of the Lord, and after you have 
received the body of your Saviour, 
let your first petition always be: 
^' Purest Jesus, make me pure." 
'' Create within me a new heart, 
Lord." 

Examjple. One would scarcely be- 
lieve that at the courts of nobles, and 
especially among the pages of kings 
and queens, angels have been found. 
Yet this was the case at the Spanish 
Court, from the year 1581 to 1584. 

Among the youths of noble birth, 
pages to the Empress Maria, was the 
young Count of Castiglione, Aloysius 



THE PEARL AUOISG THE VIRTUES. 



131 



de Gonzaga. He never, even at this 
time, neglected to receive Holy Com- 
munion once a week. So carefully 
did he guard his eyes, that he only 
saw what he was actually obliged to 
behold, and never allowed himself to 
look upon anything vain. Although 
some of his companions ridiculed him 
on account of what they thought his 
scrupulosity, still he remained firm ; 
he resembled Daniel in the lions' 
den who was saved — he was like 
one of the young men in the fiery 
furnace surrounded by flames, with- 
out having even a hair or a garment 
injured. How seldom do we find 
such an example of virtue! In his 
sixteenth year, while he was stopping 
temporarily at the court of Savoy, he 



132 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

one day met an elderly gentleman, 
who ventured to speak improperly 
in his presence; Aloysius exclaimed: 
'' Be ashamed of your gray hair — one 
would think that at your age, all 
improper things would cease." Then 
leaving immediately, he gave himself 
to spiritual reading. 

Is the heavenly manna your favor- 
ite food also, Youth? Certainly, 
only a firm faith can reveal to you 
the treasures that are there hidden. 
If your faith be weak, you cannot 
understand the relation between this 
''Bread of Angels," and a soul that 
wishes to be like to the angels ; then 
I can easily comprehend why your 
longing for the Altar, for the Taber- 
nacle, for the Holy Table is not 
stronger. 



CHAPTER XX. 

d^lmstitiT, Ik %nvnn\ of Pdiiation ujjon 

THE sufferings and death of our 
Lord placed before our souls 
at the proper moment, are ever 
most efficacious in destroying sensu- 
ality. Jesus sweating blood, Jesus 
ill-treated before the tribunals, Jesus 
cruelly scourged, Jesus crowned with 
thorns, Jesus carrying His cross to 
Calvary, Jesus nailed to the cross 
and suffering for three hours the 
most excruciating pains — what pic- 
tures these — what heart-rending 
scenes ! What a contrast — the tor- 
ments of this Lamb of God, and 
12 133 



134 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



the sensualities of man ! And yet, 
particularly, in order to expiate 
these sins of sensuality crying to 
heaven, Jesus underwent these tor- 
ments in His own flesh. And could 
you then renew, as it were. His 
pains. His afflictions ? N"o ; never ! 
On the contrary, the aspect of Jesus 
on the cross should prevent you from 
yielding to any temptations against 
holy purity. ''My Saviour suffers, 
and shall I, by sinful compliance in- 
crease His suiferings? My Saviour 
suffers, and shall I, far from suffer- 
ing with Him, far from nailing 
myself to the cross with Him by 
penance and self-denial, permit my 
hand or heart to seek forbidden 
enjoyments?" 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 135 

Whilst engaged in war with the 
Philistines, David, one day, suifered 
greatly from thirst. As he wished 
to procure a drink of water from 
the well of Bethlehem, three of his 
bravest men went through the mid- 
dle of the enemy's camp, drew water 
from the well, and carried it to 
David. But David would not drink 
it — on the contrary, he poured it out, 
''an offering to the Lord," saying, 
''Be it far from me, that I, in the 
presence of my God, should drink 
the blood of these men ; for with 
danger of life, they have fetched 
me this water." You may say when 
burning passions press you: "Be it 
far from me, that I should indulge 
my sinful passions, while my Saviour 



136 



THE PEAEL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



bleeding from many wounds suffers 
death on the cross." Then you may 
like David pour out the water before 
the Lord, that is, deny yourself, and 
thus bring an offering to Jesus cru- 
cified. 

Example. The holy boy, Vitus, was 
obliged to undergo a severe conflict 
before he obtained the crown of mar- 
tyrdom. He suffered a double mar- 
tyrdom; one for his chastity, the 
other for his faith. So inhuman was 
his father, Hylas, that he used every 
cruel means to force his child, but 
twelve years old, to deny his faith. 
When he was not successful in this, 
he gave his son to the Governor Va- 
lerian, who had him scourged most 
cruelly. Vitus thought of Jesus, 



THE PEAEL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 137 

scourged for his sake, and remained 
firm. He was then returned to his 
father, who now resorted to a most 
shameful method of shaking his con- 
stancy. 

The poor boy should be robbed of 
his innocence, that thus he might 
lose his firmness of faith. Every 
thing was now done to induce Vitus 
to participate in the shameful pleas- 
ures of the flesh, and to corrupt his 
heart Avith the enjoyments of the 
world. It was useless. Vitus prayed, 
watched and fought. V^hen, at one 
time, some one was sent to lead 
him into a shameful sin, he closed 
his eyes and prayed in the acknow- 
ledgment of his own weakness, " Do 
not despise, Lord, a broken and 
12^ 



138 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

humble heart." And with the eye 
of his soul, he beheld his crucified 
Saviour. At length, he thought it 
necessary to save himself by flight. 
He escaped with his instructors Mo- 
destus and Crescentia. All these, 
however, fell into the hands of Dio- 
cletian, who had them cruelly tor- 
mented. Vitus was condemned to 
be thrown into a vessel of boiling- 
lead, but the chaste body of this 
noble youth was not even injured. 
The wild animals, too, refused to 
injure the three martyrs, but like 
lambs, they lay down at their feet. 
It is said, they at length came to 
their death on the rack. 

Why cannot you, Youth, when 
temptations assail you, look to the 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 139 

cross, or if you are alone, sign your- 
self with this holy sign? It has 
always been victorious, for which 
reason the Church exclaims, " Be- 
hold, the cross of the Lord ; flee 
therefore, ye hostile powers ; the 
Lion of the tribe of Juda has con- 
quered." 




CHAPTER XXI. 

d^hastitp, tin Jritit of icuotion to i\u 
^imd gf art of Jesus. 

CHASTITY has it roots in the 
heart. From the heart, says 
the Lord, come evil thoughts and 
desires — and from evil thoughts and 
desires come evil actions — evil fruits 
from evil seeds. But from the heart 
come also, holy purposes and good 
deeds — good fruits from good seeds. 
Every thing depends upon the 
heart. It must, therefore, be your 
greatest care to keep your heart 
unsullied — to purify it more and 
more. In this important undertak- 
ing, let the Heart of Jesus be your 
140 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



141 



guide, your consolation, your help ; 
for the heart of the God-Man is 
the purest that ever beat in human 
breast. Never did a passion raise 
its foaming wave within it, because 
it was incapable of committing sin. 
Sublimely inaccessible to the raging 
waves of human passion, it bestows 
upon us, its light like a light-house 
in the night which illumes the path- 
less waters ; it invites us as a haven 
in shipwreck, and as a safe harbor in 
storm and need. 

Oh ! how the divine heart of your 
Master loves you, how it longs for 
you, how it desires to conceal you 
from the snares of the world, and to 
preserve you from your own innate 
corruption! ^' Come to Me all" — it 



142 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

says, and it opens wide to receive 
you ; " come to Me all you that are 
burdened and heavily laden, and I 
will refresh you," will give you the 
true peace that chaste souls enjoy, 
will indemnify you for all sacrifices, 
without which, chastity is impossi- 
ble, will enrich you with my choicest 
gifts — gifts that only pure souls can 
receive. 

Venerate, adore, this divine heart, 
the fountain of all purity! It calls 
upon you, Youth, to learn from 
it in a special manner, humility and 
meekness. Humility, however, is 
the sister of chastity, and he alone 
is meek, who has his heart with 
its passions under his control. The 
flames of love come forth from this 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



143 



divine heart, and in the midst of 
these flames stands the radiant cross, 
reminding you that chastity abides 
where divine love has either con- 
sumed, or purified sensual love; 
where the cross, the type of self- 
denial, has gained the victory (al- 
though a bloody one) over nature. 
Example. Bernardin of Sienna lost 
his mother by death, when still very 
young; but his elder sister reared 
him with a truly motherly care and 
devotion. In his eleventh year, he 
commenced his studies at Sienna, 
and by his moral, and exceedingly 
modest disposition, he there became 
so highly esteemed by his fellow- 
students, that as soon as he was 
seen approaching in the distance, 



144 



THE PEAKL AMONG THE VIBTUES. 



every immodest conversation was 
discontinued. It would then be 
whispered: ''Keep quiet. Bernardin 
is coming." For although he was 
of a meek and peaceful disposition, 
they had observed that immodest 
speech not only grieved him, but 
even made him sad. You may 
easily imagine how much Bernardin 
loved his Master and Saviour! how 
his heart dwelt within the purest 
heart of Jesus, there to be daily 
taught. He, subsequently, entered 
the order of St. Francis, and as a 
preacher of the word of God, per- 
formed great works for the salva- 
tion of souls. 

Generously consecrate your heart, 
Youth, with all its desires, to the 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 145 

most holy heart of your Saviour. 
Where ^ could your troubled, your 
youthful heart be more at rest? — 
And where can you find a more 
honorable dwelling, than in this 
sanctuary ? 




13 



I 
CHAPTER XXII. 

'§Umd WiYQin IHarg. 

MARY, the immaculate mother of 
the Most Holy One, is a noble 
model for the youth who considers 
purity the brightest gem. Yes, look 
at her, and your desire for this most 
charming virtue will be renewed ; 
you will feel your courage so in- 
creased, that you will be enabled to 
combat the numberless enemies of 
your chastity ; you will be strength- 
ened in the midst of the thousand 
dangers that surround you. Fear 
not, be not discouraged — Mary is 
146 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



147 



not only your pattern, she is also 
your help. She is the tower with 
the many shields, all of which she 
Avill extend to you for your defense 
against your pressing enemies. Pro- 
tected by them, you will remain un- 
injured in the midst of the fiery darts 
that are hurled upon you, — the wea- 
pons of Satan will rebound, the mur- 
derous spears of the enemies of your 
salvation will be rendered powerless. 
Hence we find, that the purest souls 
are always the most ardent ad- 
mirers of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 
Mary was constantly before the eyes 
of a St. Bernard, of a Bernardin, 
Casimir, Aloysius, Stanislaus, John 
Berchmans. To Mary, all those 
turned, whose light was holy purity; 



148 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

under her mantle, all those took 
refuge whose treasure, whose pearl, 
w^as chastity. With what intensity, 
and wdth what holy love, wdll not 
Mary, the purest daughter of the 
heavenly Father, the most chaste 
bride of the Holv Ghost, the vir- 
ginal mother of the purest Son, in- 
tercede with the Blessed Trinity, to 
obtain grace and help for such of her 
children as strive after this virtue — 
and particularly for those youths 
who are prepared to make every 
sacrifice in order to preserve their 
chastity ! 

Learn, therefore, Youth, to know 
Mary better from day to day — ^love 
her more tenderly — imitate her more 
closely — call upon her with increased 



TPIE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



149 



confidence. How many remained 
angels by this practice, or became 
such ! Pray often, very often to her 
in these words: '^0 my mother, my 
advocate, to thy care and particular 
protection, I commend my soul and 
my body, my entire self, with all I 
am, and all I possess. And since I 
am thine, dearest Mother, tciko then 
upon thyself my protection, as of thy 
child and thy possession." 

Example, Stanislaus Kostka, a 
Pole of noble birth, spent his youth 
studying at Vienna, in company with 
his elder brother Paul, and their 
common instructor, Bilinsky. Paul, 
by no means shared his younger 
brother's pious disposition, and since 
he found an ally in Bilinsky, it was 
13^' 



150 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



but a necessary consequence that 
they should have frequent painful 
disputes. However, Stanislaus did 
not permit himself to be misled. 
He deemed it of the greatest im- 
portance that his purity, which he 
had so long preserved unsullied, 
should not now be tarnished. Hence, 
he thought it most necessary to avoid 
the world, to deny himself, frequently 
to receive the sacraments, and to 
have a tender love for the Blessed 
Virgin Mary. So painful to him 
were all exterior signs of the shame- 
ful vice of impurity, that, on one 
occasion, he fainted, when an im- 
modest conversation was carried on 
in his presence. His angelic exte- 
rior was a true mirror of his pure 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 151 

soul : his noble brow Avas radiant 
with the brightness of virginity, and 
his bright eyes seemed to reflect the 
light of an angelic world. Whoever 
beheld Stanislaus, felt himself drawn 
toward that virtue, which is capable 
of giving, even to the body, an inex- 
pressible charm. This happy child 
was too good for this world. The 
Lord first called him away from the 
world into a religious order; when 
seventeen years of age, he entered 
the Society of Jesus, at Rome, and 
ten months later, the heavenly Gar- 
dener chose to cull this bud, and to 
transplant it into Paradise. Stanis- 
laus died, without suifering any visi- 
ble sickness, but consumed by the 
holy love of God, on the feast of the 



152 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin 
Mary. He was honored with a par- 
ticipation in Mary's triumph in Hea- 
ven. He was accustomed to speak 
of the Blessed Virgin as his mother. 
"Yea, is she not my mother," he 
said one day, in reply to some one 
who asked him if he loved Mary. 

Bear in mind, Youth, only he 
becomes similar to this purest Vir- 
gin, who often thinks of her, who 
loves and venerates her, who gives 
himself to her. 




CHAPTER XXIII. 

(Ultastitg, ih #uit of titc Jmitaticn of 
lite faints. 

IT is a fact worthy of observation, 
that those saints most particu- 
larly attract the youth, encourage 
and animate him to imitate their 
example, who have in a special 
manner distinguished themselves for 
their eminent chastity. 

They appear to him as superna- 
tural beings, but it is often necessary 
that he should recollect that they, 
like all other children of Adam, 
were once frail mortals walking in 
the flesh, and exposed to many dan- 

153 



154 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



gers. He should also bear in mind, 
that many of them lived in circum- 
stances which rendered the preserva- 
tion of holy chastity particularly 
difficult. Thus, for example, a great 
number were educated at the courts 
of nobles, where thev were sur- 
rounded by luxury, and all possi- 
ble pleasures, encompassed by the 
perils of a godless, immoral world; 
still they grew up as the lilies 
among the thorns. Should it have 
been wondered at, if they had shaped 
their principles and morals accord- 
ing to the principles and morals 
of the world — if they had precipi- 
tated themselves into the torrent 
of public opinion, which sweeps 
everything else before it—- if they 



3 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 155 

had imitated the example of their 
companions drinking the cup of 
pleasm^e unto the dregs, and being 
content to offer to the Lord, who 
should have been the God of their 
youth, the remnants of a dissipated 
life. But no — wholly did they wish 
to belong to the Lord — wholly even 
in their youth ; they remained chaste 
and the world and the flesh seemed 
not to exist for them. Others again 
bought the preservation of their 
chastity only at the price of their 
blood. Not to mention the number- 
less virgins thus situated^ there were 
also many young men and even boys, 
who were obliged either to give up 
their chastity, or sacrifice their lives. 
And they sacrificed this perishable 



156 



THE PEAEL AMONG THE YIRTUES. 



ife in order to preserve the super- 
natural life of their souls, and to 
gain the eternal life of the world to 
come. 

Others there were, and their num- 
ber is legion, who recovered this 
treasure of chastity after a long 
combat, which although bloodless, 
still w^as tedious and laborious. 
They, frequently, atoned for their 
errors, by the severest penances^ 
and thus they gained a lasting vic- 
tory over themselves, which stood in 
glaring contradiction to the former 
sway of sensuality over their hearts. 
They will, indeed, participate in a 
happy and blessed eternity. 

Example. Pelagius, a saintly child, 
prayed much and with great devo- 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 157 

tion. He was well aware that so 
glorious a virtue as holy chastity 
could only be preserved by the help 
of God. When at prayer he was so 
recollected, that no noise, no calling 
could disturb hiin. When reading 
the lives of the Saints, he would 
carefully mark those places with 
which he was most pleased, and note 
the examples that he intended to 
imitate; often he would say to him- 
self: ''Could I not do as they did? '' 
Well indeed was it for Pelagius that 
he thus prepared and strengthened 
himself — for a great combat was 
awaiting him. At the age of ten, 
he was seized by the Moors and 
taken from Spain, and for three 
years underwent the most cruel 
14 



158 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



trials for his faith and virtue. Being 
exquisitely beautiful, his master, the 
king, entertained for him a sinful 
love. Flatteries and presents were 
made use of to deceive this innocent 
child, but although bound with the 
chains of a slave, Pelagius remained 
master of himself and of the king. 
He openly defied the sovereign, and 
one day when the latter ventured 
to caress him improperly, he cried 
out : '^ Go away from me, you un- 
clean dog." He then threw the 
king's presents at his feet, which so 
enraged him, that his love for Pela- 
gius turned into hatred, and the 
poor child was doomed to end his 
life in the most excruciating agony — 
he was torn to pieces with iron tongs. 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



159 



What do you think of such heroic 
courage? Do you not often find 
the least resistance too difficult, the 
smallest sacrifice too great! How 
shall we who are so effeminate, one 
day stand before those magnanimous 
lovers of holy chastity? 




CHAPTER XXIV. 

Wmt 



W HEIST beautiful objects are 
placed side by side with 
those that are deformed or hideous, 
they appear to their best advantage. 
Thus should also holy chastity, this 
pearl among virtues, appear to us 
brighter and more illustrious, when 
contrasted with the unhallowed plea- 
sures of the senses. But in this 
case, the pen must abstain from 
many illustrations, and can touch 
but passingly a vice, of which the 
Apostle says : '' it should not even 
be named among Christians." 
160 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



161 



To occupy the mind with repre- 
sentations, the heart with desires, 
the tongue with words, the ear with 
hearing, the eye with seeing, the 
body with actions, of an immodest 
nature, is a degradation of our entire 
selves which the Bible calls, '' a vio- 
lation of the temple of Grod." We 
are temples of God built by the 
Father, renovated by the Son, sanc- 
tified and taken possession of by the 
Holy Ghost, cleansed by baptism, 
strengthened by confirmation, by the 
frequent reception of the most holy 
Sacrament of the Altar, destined to 
be living tabernacles, special sanc- 
tuaries of the God-Man — our Re- 
deemer. '- God's temple is holy," 
and you are temples of the living 
14* 



162 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



Gocl : do not then dare to change 
His temple into a den of crime, or 
rather destroy it, in order to make 
out of its ruins, a temple for the 
idols, in which unholy service would 
be rendered, in which your innocence 
would be sacrificed to Moloch, in 
which your peace of conscience, jour 
soul's salvation, perhaps even the 
health of your body, would all be 
laid upon the altar of sensuality. 

Oh ! how often it happens that he, 
who is unchaste loses also his faith ! 
He throws his faith overboard, hop- 
ing thus to pacify his conscience. 
After he has gradually given up his 
prayers and the reception of the 
sacraments, and all sublime things 
become loathsome to him, because 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



163 



his heart only loves vile pleasures 
— then he also renounces his faith ; 
his flesh is his God; heaven he de- 
sires not — hell he fears no longer. 
Oh! horrible whirlpool which swal- 
lows all ! 

Example. We read of two broth- 
ers, who wxre very dissimilar ; the 
younger was a picture of almost 
supernatural purity, an object of 
veneration for his schoolmates, who 
knew hardly any other road than 
that which led to church, to the 
school, and to his quiet home. The 
elder, who was full of the world, 
and nearly always surrounded by 
bad companions, spurned the admo- 
nitions of grace and the counsel of 
pious people, sank deeper and deeper 



164 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

into crime, and his debaucheries soon 
became the public talk. His younger 
brother was to him more of an an- 
noyance than an edification, because 
his constant warnings troubled him. 
Pie, therefore, resolved to get rid 
of " that unbearable saint," as he 
termed him, by some means, or else 
make a last desperate effort to draw 
him into his own evil ways. One 
afternoon, when both were at leisure, 
this profligate youth persuaded his 
brother to take a walk with him 
across the fields into a neighboring 
wood. There, the companions in 
crime of this wicked young man 
were expecting their prey. 

It was like the walk of Abel with 
Cain — and Abel's innocence might 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 165 

there have suffered a violent death, 
if God himself who formerly avenged 
Abel, had not stepped between the 
lamb and the wolf. They had not 
yet reached the wood, when sud- 
denly a storm arose. The lightning 
flashed, the thunder pealed — once — 
twice — thrice — in quick succession 
and the very trees in the forest 
trembled : and — just God ! Cain 
lies lifeless on the ground, and a 
few paces from him, stands Abel 
trembling in his whole body ! Only 
afterwards, when he heard from his 
brother's companions in crime of 
their common design, did he com- 
prehend the greatness of the miracle 
— a miracle both of God's justice 
and of God's mercy. He after\s^ards 



166 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



left the world, and consecrated him- 
self to God entirely and forever by 
the most sacred vows. 

Oh ! to what a depth of sinfulness 
and crime this one sin leads ! What 
is left to a sensual man, the ready 
instrument of the lowest passion — to 
himself, a burden ; to others, loath- 
some, or the cause of their ruin — 
what is left to him but despair, and 
the eternal abyss ! 



CHAPTER XXY. 

djlmsiitij, tlt({ ^niit of i\u O^onimpt of 

LONG- ago was it said : ''The world 
is the grave of innocence, for it 
is entirely evil : " '' all that is in the 
world is the concupiscence of the 
flesh, the concupiscence of the eyes, 
and the pride of life." Constantly 
does it lay before you, particularly 
before you, inexperienced youth, its 
so-called pleasures, and urges you to 
participate in them. It shows you its 
treasures — possessions — riches. But 
how are these possessions generally 
obtained? And to what do they 
lead? They lead invariably to sen- 

167 



168 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

sual enjoyments. Riches often es- 
trange the heart from the Creator, 
and he that is rich, is but too apt to 
fall into the power of pride, the 
enemy of pm^ity. 

The Avorld contrives to keep illu- 
sory pictures of the honor due you 
constantly before your mind. You 
are to be your own God. Vanity, 
ambition, pride and the other vices, 
number nearly all men among their 
slaves. But you should know that 
pride is akin to impurity, as humil- 
ity is to chastity; For, ''God resist- 
eth the proud; to the humble how- 
ever, He giveth His grace," — and 
without grace, without great graces 
there can be no humility nor sin- 
cerity of heart. 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 169 

Consider, too, the world with its 
siren song, by which it endeavors to 
lure on the unsuspecting, until they 
are finally engulfed in the whirlpool 
of sensuality. Oh ! deplorable are 
the youths that listen to it! The 
magic circle becomes gradually nar- 
rower — the quick rotations are over- 
powering — downwards, incessantly 
downwards, they are carried, until 
they reach the bottom of the abyss; 
their strength of will is lost — they 
can no longer withstand. How 
many, who have become dissolute 
and abandoned, curse, and will curse 
for all eternity, the world that has 
deceived, that has ruined them ; and 
thus loudly they w^arn their innocent 
companions : '' Stop — return ! " 
15 



170 



THE PEARL, AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



Yes return, Youth ! If you wish 
to remain chaste, distrust the world 
— beg not at its doors, do not over- 
value what it offers you ! Be careful, 
temperate, abstemious ; reserve your 
enjoyments for the other world — for 
Heaven ; here, however, deny your- 
self every pleasure, which must be 
bought at the price of your peace of 
conscience. Oh! there are purer joys 
than the world can offer ! 

Example. Hilarion was one of 
the most celebrated hermits of the 
fourth century. At the age of fifteen 
he paid a visit to the hermit, St. 
Antony, whose fame had spread 
. throughout the entire East. He 
remained with him two months, 
learned his manner of living, and 



THE PEAEL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 171 

then set out for the desert lying 
between Palestine and Egypt, where 
he imitated what he had seen. He 
built a hut for himself from pieces 
of brick and clay, which was so small 
(it being only large enough for him- 
self) that it resembled a tomb more 
than the dwelling of a living person. 
In this abode, he practiced the most 
severe mortifications, notwithstanding 
heat and cold, hunger and thirst. He 
never ate before sundown, and his 
meal then consisted of a few fruits or 
herbs. Nevertheless, hideous temp- 
tations so assailed the holy youth, 
that he thought it necessary to re- 
duce even his scanty meal. He often 
exclaimed: ''Wait, you troublesome 
body, you lazy, you obstinate beast 



172 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



of burden; I shall see that you 
become tractable, and that you no 
longer entertain such desires." Then 
he would chastise himself most cru- 
elly, and keep a strict fast. Hilarion 
reached the age of eighty years. His 
cell was still existing at the time of 
St. Jerome. 

Youth, the world is not your 
friend. For is it not the adversary 
of Jesus Christ— the ally of Satan ? 
Why do you not distrust it? Why 
do you not answer its enticements 
with a decided ''no!" Ah! you 
will curse it when it will have gained 
its point, and deprived you of your 
chastity, but then it will be too late I 



CHAPTER XXyi. 

itt our i^alings with Pen. 

HELL has its disciples. How 
many persons who are them- 
selves corrupted, consciously or 
otherwise draw others after them 
into ruin ! The former are seducers 
— devils in human form ; the latter 
are deplorable beings who having 
received poison themselves, over- 
flow with it, and infect every one 
around them. How careful you 
ought to be in the choice of your 
intimate friends, and even of your 
companions ! '' Bad language de- 
15=^ 173 



174 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIKTUES. 

stroys good morals ; " how much 

more will this be effected bv bad 

•J 

actions, bad example, and dissolute 
conduct. Ah ! you will have to be 
determined and unrelenting, when 
vice commences to show its true 
colors, and begins to throw its poi- 
sonous darts toward you! 

Many are the youths that have 
become the prey of evil companions. 
They did not perceive that they were 
keeping company with a leper, until 
their souls became infected by the 
same leprosy, which, spreading more 
and more, finally robbed them of 
all their beauty, all their happiness. 
Prefer to have no friend rather 
than have an evil one. In reality, 
a wicked friend is your enemy, for 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



175 



lie is dangerous to your soul, he acts 
toward you as a thief, a robber, a 
murderer, a demon ! Purity is a 
gem, a treasure; suffer no thief in 
your house! Purity is the life, is 
the beauty of your soul ; permit no 
murderer to come near you who 
would disfigure, or destroy it. Books 
too are friends — good or bad friends, 
pregnant either with evil, or with 
good — seducers or preservers accord- 
ing to their contents. 

Therefore, Youth, take the great- 
est care! Do not throw the pearl 
before the swine, but guard it with 
solicitude, if you wdsh that it should 
one day be your diadem. 

Example, St. Gregory Nazianzen 
and St. Basil, afterwards called the 



176 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

^' Great," studied together at Athens. 
What holy friendship theirs must 
have been ! Friends who are united 
in virtue, in purity, and in the exer- 
cise of their common duties, are to 
each other guardian angels ; whereas, 
those who are united for the propa- 
gation of crime, resemble demons. 
St. Gregory afterwards wrote : '' We 
knew but two roads, the one leading 
to church, and to the ministers of the 
altar, who celebrate the divine mys- 
teries, and nourish the members of 
Christ with the bread of life; the 
other, (which, however, we respected 
less than the first,) conducting us to 
the great public schools and to the 
teachers of wisdom." The conse- 
quence was that these two friends 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



17^ 



were preserved from the evil influ- 
ence of the dissolute youths frequent- 
ing the High schools, and that they 
attained the end for which God had 
led them to Athens. Dissoluteness is 
inimical to science. A pious mind, a 
pure heart ''is useful for all things," 
as the Apostle says. 

Be not too liberal with the title 
''Friend." Let him, Youth, who 
wishes to be your friend, show first 
that he deserves it, by modest dis- 
position, by a pure heart and a pious 
mind. If his friendship will not aid 
you in gaining heaven, do not seek 
to cultivate it. 



CHAPTER XXYII. 

d^Imstitg, ih J[ruit xif Jndustrii. 

EXPERIEI^CE has proved the 
truth of no maxim more fully 
than this : '' Idleness is the beginning 
of all vice." Particularly is it the 
evil fountain of impurity. The mind 
being active by nature, occupies itself 
with whatever is presented to it. If 
you neglect to keep it upon a certain 
object according to your direction^ 
then it will wander, and be led by 
the senses to low and sensual mat- 
ters. Then the imagination will be 
polluted, then the soul will be de- 
filed, and from it, as from corrupted 
178 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



179 



water, will come forth evil vapors 
and poisonous odors. 

Diligent exertion and well regu- 
lated industry Avill keep the soul 
pure. Like a fresh breeze they act 
upon the mind. When our thoughts 
are constantly occupied, they keep 
in their appointed sphere, directed 
toward the end which has been as- 
signed them, and avoid everything 
not appertaining to it; they have but 
one endeavor, viz : to prepare the 
will, and make it willing to act. 
Besides, it is to be supposed, that if 
one is intent upon making good use 
of every moment of his time, he 
must possess a considerable degree 
of self-control, which will prove most 
beneficial in times of temptation, 
and prevent a defeat. 



180 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

'^JNTever let the devil find you 
unoccupied," says St. Jerome, who 
knew from experience the great 
power of industry over our tempta- 
tions. Although he had buried him- 
self, as it were, in the desert, and by 
his fastings and other works of pen- 
ance had reduced himself almost to 
a shadow^, he nevertheless felt the 
sting of the flesh, and found himself 
surrounded by temptations. As a 
remedy, he undertook labors, which 
were so difficult and loathsome, that 
only a person possessing a strong 
wall like his own, could ever expect 
to accomplish them. At last, he was 
able to say: ''How thankful I am 
to Almighty God, because my many 
hardships and labors have at length 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



181 



procured for me that much-desired 
peace of soul." 

Therefore, Youth, pray, read, 
write, or occupy yourself in some 
way. Devote yourself in earnest to 
the duties of your special state of 
life ; strive to accomplish great things 
according to the talents which God 
has given you. Let it be your en- 
tire ambition to fill with honor that 
situation, which God in His wisdom 
has assigned you. Strive to become 
a useful member of society, to the 
consolation of your Church, to the 
well-being of your fellow-creatures, 
and the joy of your parents. 

Example. John Berchmans, of 
Diestheim in Brabant, the child of 
a simple artisan, blossomed like a 
16 



182 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



beautiful flower. '' Upon his coun- 
tenance," says a biographer, "was 
expressed such beauty, and in his 
manners there was such a charming 
sweetness, that many renowned fami- 
lies begged his parents to entrust to 
them, this angel in the flesh.'' The 
arch-priest Emmerich testified by an 
authentic document, that "John was 
an angel, and from his countenance 
shone an angelic purity." His teach- 
ers testified, "that John had always 
been so innocent, that he did not 
know even the name of a certain vice 
into which youth is so apt to fall." 
In order to preserve this purity of 
heart, he most carefully shunned all 
those in whom he noticed a disposi- 
tion for an unrestrained life. He 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



183 



had no intimacy with any of his 
companions, but was kind and polite 
to all. He spoke, however, but lit- 
tle, and spent the time which he had 
after school hours in praj^er or at 
work, at church or at home. Before 
he was seventeen years old, he en- 
tered the Society of Jesus at Malines. 
He was subsequently sent to Rome 
to prosecute his studies, where he 
died at the age of twenty-two. There 
was nothing extraordinary in his life, 
but in all things he was cheerful and 
punctual. The rules and regulations 
of the order to which he belonged 
were so dear to him, that he observed 
even the smallest with the greatest 
scrupulosity ; to show his great re- 
gard for these rules, he would not 



184 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

part, even on his death-bed, with the 
little book which contained them. 
"Being," he said, '* possessed of these 
three things, I shall gladly die," and 
he wound his rosary around the cru- 
cifix, which he laid upon his little 
book of rules. Among his papers 
were found the following maxims, 
which contain most precious advice 
for all young men who love holy 
purity : '' There is nothing which 
I must shun more than indolence, 
sadness, and intimacies. I am not 
certain of my salvation, if I do not 
endeavor to have a childlike and 
sincere devotion to the Mother of 
God." 

Indeed, my dear Youth, nothing is 
to be shunned so much as indolence. 



THE PEAEL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



185 



On the other hand, that industry 
which proceeds from a sense of one's 
duty, which has for its object the 
greater honor of God, which is up- 
held by divine love is an excellent 
means, keeping great temptations 
away, or at least repelling them suc- 
cessfully. Ask the Saints, even those 
living in the deserts, who interrupted 
their prayers only by manual labor ; 
they will give testimony. 




16=^ 



CHAPTER XXVIIl. 

djhasttig, iht ^^mit of Mncmm^ (l{ombat* 

IF the whole life of man is a com- 
bat, how much more so the time 
of youth! And if no moral virtue 
can be acquired or maintained with- 
out earnest conflict, much less can 
holy purity. Resign yourself, there- 
fore, Youth, since it is inevitable ; 
put on the holy armor, and then in 
the name of God commence the com- 
bat with courage. Struggle manfully 
and bravely! Are you alarmed at 
the great number of your enemies? 
Do you fear their deceit, their mal- 
ice, their fury ? Are you terrified at 
186 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



187 



the great number that you see con- 
quered? Do you doubt your final 
victory? Be not dismayed. Think 
with St. Augustine: ^'What these 
have done whv not I ? " Satan 
fears the courageous. It is written: 
'^ Withstand the devil, and he will 
take flight." The world flees before 
him who manfully resists it. Al- 
though sensuality cannot be entirely 
eradicated, it may be rendered harm- 
less by strenuous efibrt. 

Who was David, who was Goliath? 
How unequal the combat between 
these two! But the small shepherd 
boy triumphed over the giant war- 
rior, — certainly through God, and 
with God, but also because he was 
intrepid, prompt, courageous. ''Thou 



188 



THE PEABL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



comest to me with a sword, and with 
a spear, and with a shield," said 
David to Goliath, ''but I come to 
thee in the name of the Lord of hosts 
.... and the Lord will deliver thee 
into my hands." 

You must also struggle unceas- 
ingly, and to the end. Victory 
should not make you presumptuous 
or induce you to become indolent; 
on the contrary, you must always be 
ready and clad with the armor of 
light according to the words of the 
Apostle : " having your loins girt 
about with truth, and having on the 
breastplate of justice, and your feet 
shod with the preparation of the gos- 
pel of peace ; in all things taking the 
shield of faith, wherewith you may be 



THE PEABL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



189 



able to extinguish all the fiery darts 
of the most wicked one, and take 
unto you the helmet of salvation and 
the sword of the spirit, which is the 
word of God." 

The final victory will be yours, 
Youth, for in this conflict, no one 
is conquered who does not wish it. 
And the conqueror may expect that 
crown, which is not withheld from 
any one who fights lawfully. 

Kvam/ple. Josaphat, son of Aben- 
ner, a king in India, of whose con- 
version, of whose great struggles for 
the faith, and of whose final victory 
St. John Damascen makes mention, 
distinguished himself by such great 
purity, that God made use of him as 
an instrument for the conversion of 



190 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



his father Abenner, and of the whole 
kingdom. After the father failed in 
his endeavors to bring Josaphat back 
to the service of the idols, he, by the 
advice of a bad man, a tool of Satan, 
commenced a truly diabolical war- 
fare against his son, which he hoped 
would infallibly lead him to success, 
for he knew the frailty of human 
nature, and the propensity of youth 
to sensuality. The impious father 
surrounded the poor young man 
with the most depraved persons, 
whom he ordered to seduce Josa- 
phat, and rob him of his innocence. 
This was a severe trial. St. John 
Damascen describes it as follows : 
"The impure demon, which the devil 
had sent, brought with him others 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



191 



worse than himself, and all appeared 
at the bed of the noble youth, and 
pressed him with temptations. His 
pure soul had, however, no sooner 
noticed these temptations and the 
evil thought which beset him, than 
he experienced great sadness, and 
felt a most earnest desire to be de- 
livered from so great a misfortune, 
and to keep pure and unstained the 
holy dress of innocence, which had 
been given him in baptism. He, 
therefore, opposed love by love — ^im- 
pure love by divine love ; he thought 
of the beauty and the inexpressible 
glory which pure souls shall possess 
by their participation in the glory 
of Christ, from which, however, all 
those who have soiled their robe of 



192 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTtJES. 



innocence will be excluded — and 
thrown, their hands and feet bound, 
into utter darkness. Making these 
reflections, he beat his breast, amid 
a flood of tears, and put all evil 
thoughts to flight. 

" He then arose, lifted up his 
hands to heaven, and with many 
tears and sighs prayed to God for 
His assistance, in the following- 
words : 'Almighty God, who alone 
art powerful and inclined to mercy; 
my Lord, hope of the despondent, 
and of all those who are in need of 
help, be mindful, I beseech Thee, of 
me. Thy useless servant; look upon 
me with merciful eyes, and save my 
soul from the sword of the devil, and 
my all from the hands of this dog, 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 193 

and permit not that I should fall 
into the power of my enemies. They 
shall not triumph over me, who hate 
me in their iniquity ; suffer not that 
I perish in iniquity, and that my 
body which I have vowed to keep in 
holy chastity, be violated. I adore 
Thee — the Father, the Son, and the 
Holy Ghost, and I desire to possess 
Thee eternally.' He had hardly said, 
' Amen,' when he felt a breath of 
heavenly consolations, and all evil 
thoughts vanished, but he remained 
in prayer till midnight. Being aware 
of the deceits and artifices of the evil 
spirit, he sought to mortify his body 
by hunger and thirst and other 
works of penance, and often spent 
whole nights standing, and in prayer, 
17 



194 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



thinking of the covenant he had 
made with God. All these things he 
did, that the devil might never find 
him unoccupied, or worse still, oc- 
cupied with vain thoughts, for he 
feared he w^ould then take occasion 
to suggest those which are evil, and 
thus stain the purity of his soul." 

What a glorious spectacle in the 
sight of Heaven — a youth thus 
struggling! What a shame for the 
devil to be put to flight by a weak 
boy, yes, to be laid low, and feel the 
foot of the conqueror upon his neck ! 
jSTever lose courage ! The number of 
those who assist, is greater than of 
those who resist you! 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

(I{liast% the 4^uit of (icncrous 
^clf-ienial 

PROCEED still further, Youth. 
Be not merely content with 
keeping your enemies, Satan, the 
world, and the flesh at bay, but 
attack them, defeat them, strike 
them to the ground. Gird yourself 
with the sword of self-denial ; enter 
upon a holy crusade against your- 
self; subdue your flesh and your 
self-will; ''be a cross to the w^orld, 
as it is a cross to you." Learn to 
deny yourself, even lawful things, in 
order that you may the more readily 

195 



196 THE PEAKL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

abstain from those which are unlaw- 
ful. Tame, afflict, torment your 
flesh, in order that it may trouble 
and torment you less. If tempta- 
tions render it advisable, or if grace 
draw you, deprive yourself of all 
superfluities in eating, drinking, rest, 
and convenience. Do not mind the 
groans of rebellious nature. Treat 
your flesh as your greatest enemy ; 
if you wish to have peace from your 
flesh, give it but little peace. 

It is remarkable that those holy 
youths whose chastity was the most 
brilliant, were also particularly dis- 
tinguished for the practice of the 
most severe mortifications ; witness, 
SS. Benedict, Aloysius, Stanislaus. 
These saints went in quest of the 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 197 

enemy, and conquered him in his 
own stronghold. A heavenly war- 
fare is certain of success. You are 
astonished that in the course of cen- 
turies, so many chosen youths re- 
nounced all the conveniences of life, 
their riches, the honors which the 
future held out to them, preferring, 
instead, a life in the desert, where 
they buried themselves, as it were, 
and fought against themselves as 
against their greatest enemy, by 
fasting, night-watches, penances, and 
unceasing labors; they were always 
intent upon preserving or restoring 
their purity of heart. This is the 
secret of their many sacrifices and 
self-denials. With hedges of thorns 
they surrounded themselves, in order 
17* 



198 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



that the lily of chastity might be pro- 
tected ; through pain they quenched 
lust; by self-denial they bought for 
themselves true life; by unceasing- 
war, a holy peace in this life and in 
the next ! 

Sensual Youth, how do you expect 
to destroy the dominion of the flesh, 
if you do not make it feel your do- 
minion over it ? 

Example. After Constantino the 
Great became Emperor, he fre- 
quently suffered himself to be gov- 
erned by arbitrary passion. Crispus, 
his son by a former marriage, was 
uncommonly beautiful and very 
brave, and what is still more ad- 
mirable, he was acknowledged to be 
a pattern of unstained chastity. His 



THE PEAKL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



199 



step-mother, Fausta, laid snares for 
his innocence, but like another Jo- 
seph, he escaped by flight from her 
wicked wiles. 

Her sensual love was then changed 
into a passionate hatred. She ac- 
cused Crispus to her husband of the 
blackest crime, and Constantino was 
so hasty and blinded, that without 
investigating the matter, he con- 
demned his own child to death. 
Poisoned food was given him to eat 
which had the desired effect. The 
wicked Fausta afterwards confessed 
her crime and was also deprived of 
her life. Indeed, "the Kingdom of 
Heaven sutfereth violence, and the 
violent bear it away.'' 



200 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



Oh ! cowards that we are — we love 
to be chaste, but we will not deny 
ourselves, we will not let our flesh 
feel the superiority of the spirit. 

God of forbearance, have pa- 
tience with us ! God of strength, 
fortify us ! 




CHAPTER XXX. 

O'N one occasion, the angels sang: 
''Peace to men on earth, that 
are of a good will." "Of a very 
good will," indeed, is that youth, 
who not only avoids sin in general, 
but who shuns impurity in a special 
manner. He is ''of a very good 
will," for only by severe combats 
has he achieved such a result, and 
through dangers of all kinds has he 
had to pass. He is " of a very good 
w^ill," for he has given a ready ear to 
the voice of his conscience, and has 
cooperated faithfully with the graces 
given him. Hence peace, consola- 

201 



202 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



tion, inward joy shall be his portion ; 
peace, as the effect of a victorious 
combat ; peace, as the reward for 
faithful labor; peace, as the holy 
dowry of unrelenting self-denial. 

Peace ! does it not beam from the 
bright eyes of the chaste ? A holy 
religious and profound thinker used 
to say : " The stars, the flowers, and 
and the bright eyes of innocence are 
like relics from Paradise." 

Peace ! Do you not breathe it 
when in company with him who is 
pure? His innocence, the modesty 
of his conversation and manners, 
often too, the charm of his whole 
appearance, are as refreshing as 
balmy, native air. 

View a peaceful landscape in the 
gentle light of a setting sun ; at your 



THE PEAKL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



203 



feet repose the tranquil waters, of a 
crystal lake surrounded by smiling 
fields, by fruit-bearing orchards, and 
majestic woods. But behold it again, 
when the storm rages, and the thun- 
der peals. Spectre-like, the clouds 
flit by ; the waters are troubled, they 
dash and roar ; the woods seem 
haunted, for the trees bend their 
tops, their branches crash, their 
trunks groan, all nature seems dis- 
turbed. A growing darkness over- 
spreads the scene ! This is a picture 
of peace of soul and of unbridled 
passion. 

Example. There was great commo- 
tion on board a large sailing vessel. 
Seated on a large bundle of ropes, 
was a youth of fifteen years, around 
whom a crowd of rude sailors had 



204 



THE PEAEL AMONG THE VIKTUES. 



gathered. They called their comrade 
"a hypocrite, an idler," and similar 
names. One struck him, and caused 
the little book he was reading to fall 
to the floor ; another gave it a kick, 
and it flew overboard. A loud cry 
of triumph accompanied this last act, 
after which they left. 

But ''Alf," as the young sailor 
boy was called, was neither ^'a hypo- 
crite " nor " an idler." He belonged 
to a good family — could read, was 
modest, polite, and of a cheerful and 
obliging disposition. But he would 
take no part in the obscene talk of 
his comrades, and this aroused their 
anger; they tormented^ him con- 
stantly, and sometimes even beat 
him. On such occasions, Alf would 



THE PEARL AMO^S^G THE VIRTUES. 



205 



hide in some corner of the lower- 
room, and unburden his heart by 
tears and prayers, and he would al- 
ways conclude the latter thus: "My 
dear Father in Heaven, let me suf- 
fer every thing rather than lose my 



innocence." 



N'ow, however, he was deprived 
even of his little book, "The Follow- 
ing of Christ." Who can describe 
the astonishment of this rude crowd, 
when the following day they beheld 
"Alf," quietly sitting down with his 
little book in his hand ! He never 
told them the secret ; for he had 
found his treasure the evenins; before 
in one of the life-boats, where he had 
been sent to execute an order. This 
seeming miracle caused a complete 
18 



206 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

change of conduct in the young men 
towards ''AliV They now appeared 
to respect him, and even begged him, 
occasionallv, to read to them from 
his little book, which had been so 
miraculously recovered. At length, 
they even requested that he would 
teach them to read. Gradually their 
bawdy songs were hushed ; they dis- 
continued their still worse conversa- 
tions, and Alfred became the beloved 
apostle of his former tormentors and 
enemies. 

Thus does Almighty God love to 
bless chastity, patience, and confi- 
dence. Thus does a soul, conscious 
of its purity, experience consolation 
and peace in the midst of exterior 
combats. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

(l{Iutstiti|, the Source of it lolg 

THE earth, being a vale of tears, a 
land of banishment, is not well 
adapted to cheerfulness. Yet, there 
are some few living in the world who 
may well rejoice, who, alone, have 
a good reason to be glad ; namely, 
those who have a well-founded con- 
fidence of being in the state of grace; 
particularly, the chaste. 

Yes, chaste soul, ''rejoice in thy 
youth," as Holy Scripture says ; you 
may well rejoice, for you know that 
God is pleased with you. Then why 
should you not rejoice? Oh! with 

207 



208 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



what delight his pure eye rests upon 
your inviolate soul, and upon your 
body consecrated to holy chastity ! 
^'The eyes of the Lord rest upon 
them that fear Him." You fear 
Him, you avoid displeasing Him, 
you are alarmed even at the shadow 
of sin. How, therefore, can you help 
perceiving Grod's holy pleasure, and 
rejoicing thereat? You have reason 
to rejoice; for there is peace in your 
soul. Unmanageable passions do not 
rage in your heart; nor is it ruled 
now by one passion, then by another. 
It affords no entrance to sensuality, 
the most insatiable of all, which ever 
seeks to be victorious in the end. 
You have a right to rejoice; for 
your conscience, which has not been 
ill-treated, and thus condemned to 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 209 

death-like silence, gives you a joyful 
testimony. Oh ! continue to listen to 
this monitor; hearken to its admo- 
nition, follow its advice ! A tranquil 
conscience is a soft pillow in death. 

How ill-humored, how morose, and 
at variance with every one, is not 
the vicious man? Is not even his 
momentary gayety but the petulant 
expression of dissoluteness, that re- 
minds one of the foam of the wild 
rushing wave, which is soon buried 
in itself? 

Virtue, on the contrary, esjiecially 
the virtue of chastity, gives a certain 
constancy to the mind, evenness to 
the soul, serenity to the brow, bright- 
ness to the eye ; it ennobles, elevates, 
transforms, the entire being. 
18^= 



210 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

JExampIe. There is nothing more 
touching, than what we read in the 
legend of the Blessed Herman Jo- 
seph, the little favorite of the Virgin 
Mother, and Infant child. He pos- 
sessed wonderful purity of heart, and 
carefully shunned all the wild games 
of his school-mates. Instead of join- 
ing in these diversions, he would go 
to church, and there pray before the 
image of the blessed Mother of God, 
w^hom he had chosen, when still very 
young, for his own mother. Even at 
the present time, may be seen at 
Cologne, in the church of Sta. Maria 
de Capitolio, the very place where he 
is said in childlike innocence to have 
conversed with the Virgin Mother 
and the divine Infant. There he was 
wont to pray on his way to school ; 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



211 



thither he would withdraw, when his 
companions were at their plays or 
otherwise enjoying themselves. On 
one occasion, Herman having a 
ruddy apple for his lunch, the 
thouo'ht occurred to him to offer it 
to the Infant Jesus. He reached his 
apple to the Child, and behold, it 
was received. At another time, du- 
ring the winter, when the boy went 
to church barefooted, shivering with 
cold, and prayed before the Blessed 
Virgin's image, Mary asked him : 
" Herman why do you come without 
shoes, in such frost? " He answered : 
" I have none to wear." Then Mary 
pointing to a rock, said : " Go there, 
and you will find as much money 
as will be necessary ; and whenever, 
henceforth, you may be in need, seek 



212 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



there with confidence." When the 
other children heard that Herman 
found money at that place, they also 
went to obtain some ; but as they 
were neither so pure, nor so good as 
Herman^ and, therefore, not so be- 
loved by Mary^ they were unsuccess- 
ful in their search. Herman's purity 
was so great, that he was afterwards 
called Joseph, in honor of the pure 
spouse of the immaculate Virgin. 

You have, undoubtedly, had occa- 
sion to compare the dissolute mirth 
of some, with the modest serenity of 
others. But whence can this true, 
constant serenity proceed, if not from 
a pure and loving heart, which is 
faithful to God, and, therefore, be- 
loved by Him? 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

VICE is frequently followed by 
certain temporal consequences, 
which, to some extent, correspond 
with the nature of the passion from 
which they proceed. In like man- 
ner, virtue, also, is often accom- 
panied by certain temporal blessings. 
Though its reward is principally 
supernatural, and it does not need 
a temporal recompense since it is 
sure of one which is eternal ; yet 
the all-merciful God, according to 
His word, '' Seek ye first the king- 
dom of God and his justice, and all 

213 



214 THE PEAKL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

these things shall be added unto 
you," not unfrequently pours down 
His blessings upon the virtuous, in 
this manner, in order to encourage 
them, and also, to draw, if possible, 
the sensual hearts of the vicious 
from evil, and convert them to the 
good. And does it not seem reason- 
able, that the most lovely of virtues 
which promotes the welfare of the 
body, its senses and its members, 
and tends to sanctify them, should 
frequently enjoy temporal blessings? 
'' He who is like to the impure," says 
Scripture, *' is vile ; corruption and 
worms shall inherit him ; he shall 
serve as a warning to many." On 
the other hand, a pure and healthy 
mind, gives life and health to the 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



215 



body, arid^ " how beautiful is the 
chaste generation with glory ! for the 
memory thereof is immortal, be- 
cause it is known both with God 
and with men." All eyes are turned 
toward it; all men feel themselves 
attracted thereby. 

Holy continency frequently gives 
the youth an amount of strength 
w^iich is above his age, and often 
leaves upon his countenance a super- 
natural impression. Frequently from 
the eye of the chaste youth, comes a 
spark, wiiicli charms, touches and 
enkindles the hearts of others. ISTot 
unfrequently does the whole exterior 
of him, who is pure, manifest a fresh- 
ness, vivacity, and sweetness which 
attracts us, and is a spur to virtue 



216 THE PEAEL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

and a confusion to vice. And after 
one has become intimately acquainted 
with such an innocent person, and 
has been permitted to be a witness 
to his laborious combats, and also to 
his w^ell-deserved victories, how at- 
tached he becomes to him, with what 
reverential affection he feels himself 
drawn toward him ! Again, I re- 
peat : '' how beautiful is the chaste 
generation with glory ! for the mem- 
ory thereof is immortal : because it 
is known both with God and with 
men." 

Uxample. Miracles of strength and 
courage are related of Godfrey de 
Bouillon, the hero of the first cru- 
sade. When engaged in battle, he 
would throw himself into the thick- 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 217 

est of the fight, and choose for single 
combat the most valiant amongst his 
enemies. Many a knight he is said 
to have cleft to the saddle with one 
stroke. When he was asked whence 
he gained such uncommon strength, 
he replied : " It is the strength of 
chastity; for never have I yielded to 
impurity." On one occasion, when 
in the vicinity of Antioch, after he 
had saved the life of a poor pilgrim 
who was followed bv a ferocious bear, 
it happened that this wild beast at- 
tacked him also, and was about to 
drag him to the ground. But God- 
frey held the bear with his left hand 
long enough to draw the sword with 
his right, and bury it deeply in the 
breast of the animal. 
19 



218 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



Although you do not look for tem 
poral blessings, principally, still you 
cannot be incliiferent as to whether 
your body, which next to your soul 
is your chief interest, should be found 
deserving of reward or punishment. 
Respect your body, Youth, and 
your body will bring you honor. 




CHAPTER XXXIII. 

(llluistiti;, i\u ^onm of ^girltmtl ^tmiutlt 

EVERY one desires to be a person 
of character. Strength of mind 
is praised ; hence no one wishes to 
appear weak ; but the source and 
proof of truly Christian strength of 
mind is self-government. 'N-o won- 
der, then, that pure souls are also, 
not unfrequently, strong souls. The 
fortitude of a soul is ascertained by 
its endurance. Although a person 
may not, in youth, meet with many 
thorns and thistles upon his path ; 
later on, as life becomes more seri- 
ous, sufferings wull thickly crowd 

219 



220 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



upon him, and he will then have 
frequent occasion of joining the long 
procession of cross-bearing pilgrims 
upon earth. Generally, we find the 
chaste mind (regardless of the great 
influx of grace) more courageous, 
constant and patient, because it is 
more accustomed to deny itself and 
bring sacrifices ; and because it is 
more disengaged from the world. 

Strength of mind is shown by 
enterprise. We do not here speak 
of temporal, but of spiritual things; 
for in their sphere, and in that of the 
ideal, and of the morally sublime, 
great works may be undertaken and 
accomplished. And who can under- 
stand better the persuasions of grace, 
and will more readily yield to the 



THE PEARL AMONG THE YIKTUES. 



221 



affections of the heart, than he that 
is chaste? Bright is his eye/ not 
darkened by passion — healthy is his 
heart, not corrupted by sensuality. 
No wonder, then, that he thinks of 
sublime things, undertakes and ac- 
complishes them ! 

True strength of mind is seen in 
endurance. It is not without con- 
tinual combat, that the chaste youth 
preserves his chastity ; not without 
incessant watchings, prayers, and 
struggles, does he remain victor over 
the flesh, the world, and the devil. 
And the constancy acquired in the 
preservation of this particular virtue, 
he frequently exercises in every thing 
that he undertakes for God, and the 
salvation of his soul, the accomplish- 
19^ 



222 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



ment of which he considers a duty of 
honor. Look at the majestic oak. 
Its roots strike deeply into the earth. 
Healthy in wood and bark, it spreads 
its branches heavenw^ard. It has 
braved centuries ; and even when 
hewn down, it gives strength and 
solidity to every article made from 
its wood. 

Youth, be like the oak ! Shun 
the enervating influence of vice; 
become stronger and stronger; reso- 
lutely proceed upon the path of vir- 
tue. Defy evil, wherever you meet 
it. If the occasion to do something 
great present itself to you, examine 
it — ask God for His help, commence 
the work, and persevere. 

Example. St. Vincent de Paul, who 
was once a captive at Tunis, labored 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 223 

inclefatigably to ameliorate the- con- 
dition of the Christian prisoners in 
Algiers. He ransomed manj^, sent 
alms to others, and better still, sent 
missionaries to console them, and 
prevent them from giving up their 
holy faith. Some sublime accounts 
of heroic constancy have been pre- 
served to us from that time. In a 
letter dated June, 1646, a missionary 
named Guerin, relates the history of 
a boy, who at the age of eleven years 
had fallen into the hands of sea-rob- 
bers on the English coast. Moved 
by grcice, he abandoned the false 
creed in which he had been reared 
and in the midst of tortures openly 
confessed his faith. ''Strike," said 
he to his master, " behead me if you 
wish ; but know that I am a Cath- 



224 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



olic, and as such I will die." Then 
addressing the missionary, he said : 
'' Be consoled ; I am resolved to 
suffer everything, even death, rather 
than deny my divine Master." On 
the 26th of July of the same year, 
a Portuguese was condemned to lose 
his life, because he refused most reso- 
lutely to commit an impure action, 
which was demanded of him. A short 
time after, a young Frenchman was 
burnt at the stake, because he would 
not, under any consideration comply 
with similar requests. In the year 
1648, two young men, a Frenchman 
and an Englishman, were obliged to 
undergo various kinds of sufferings 
for their faith and for their inno- 
cence; but by their courage suc- 
ceeded, at last, in disarming their 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



225 



very tormentors. One of these tor- 
turers, with knife in hand, seized the 
young Frenchman and threatened to 
cut off his ears ; but the youth witli 
a quick grasp drew the knife from 
his hand, cut off one ear, and hand- 
ing it to the astonished Turk, said : 
"Do you wish the other also?" 
Shortly after, these two young men 
died of a contagious disease, and, 
together, went to heaven to receive 
the reward of their constancy. 

Truly does chastity give courage 
and strength. '' Thou hast done 
manfully, and thy heart has been 
strengthened because thou hast loved 
chastity;" thus spoke the men of 
Bethulia to chaste Judith after she 
had cut off the head of the ferocious 
Holofernes. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

IN tlic Ijeginning, all nature was 
obedient to our first parents. 
Whilst they remained submissive 
to God, they were truly the rulers 
of the whole visible creation. By 
sin, however, a great change was 
introduced into the world- — rebellion 
reigned everywhere ; our first par- 
ents having revolted against the 
Most High, the other creatures re- 
fused to submit to them ; they hav- 
ing lost the friendship of God, and 
fallen into the slavery of sin, the 
lower order of creation became in- 
' 226 



THE PEAIIL AM0:NG THE VIRTUES. 227 

imical to them and resisted their 
authority. 

However, notwithstanding this 
consequence of the fall, several holy 
men, viz : St. Francis of Assissium, 
Pater Anchieta, and others, exerted, 
by a special permission of God, a 
wonderful influence over irrational 
creatures. We may also say, there 
have been at all times similarly 
privileged persons, who have exer- 
cised a certain sovereignty over the 
irrational beings of the moral world, 
and have even gained for themselves 
respect, influence and i^ower. This 
is also the case in a particular man- 
ner, with innocence in its struggle 
with wickedness. How often, does 
it not gain the victory, and succeed 



228 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



in changing wolves into lambs, and 
and rapacious vultures into peaceful 
doves ! It cannot be doubted, that 
the example of a pure youth often 
produces wonderful effects. His 
modest exterior, his childlike man- 
ners, his moderate cheerfulness cap- 
tivate; and his well-known strict- 
ness, conscientiousness, and even the 
peremptory manner in which he 
refuses every indecency, and strives 
to excludes it from his presence, are 
well adapted to check persons of 
lewd morals, who may happen to 
be in his company. Although vice 
may mock chastity, calling it an 
absurdity, an excess, or even hypoc- 
risy; still many a youth, who has 
fallen deeply, feels in presence of a 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



229 



pure and noble companion, a s'ecret 
self-reproach, a holy ambition, a call 
to repentance; in short, innocence 
has often been a silent admonition, 
producing most salutary eifects. 

Be thus, Youth, an apostle of 
purity ! Dispel, by the brightness of 
this glorious virtue, that vice which 
shuns the light ! Hesitate not, on 
all occasions, and in every place, to 
withstand, with a holy courage tem- 
pered by prudence, all unchaste 
conversations, all lasciviousness of 
shameless people, even if there be 
no danger of your own corruption ; 
leave that company, in which you 
would be like a lamb among wolves. 
Example. A virtuous youth, much 
beloved by others on account of his 
20 



230 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



spotless modesty was one day taking 
Sj walk, when he met a school-mate, 
named Lothair, whose morals were 
of a contrary character. Richard, 
(the first-mentioned) not wishing to 
be impolite, permitted Lothair to 
accompany him. Besides, Richard 
did not belong to that class of per- 
sons, who are satisfied in doing good 
for themselves, but never dare to 
speak a word of encouragement to 
a misguided brother, or attempt his 
conversion. They were soon engaged 
in earnest conversation. '^ Tell me, 
Lothair," said Richard, " what do 
you intend to do in after-years? 
You openly parade your religious 
indifference, and no longer care to 
conceal the condition of your morals. 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



231 



What will you do hereafter? Do 
you intend always to remain as you 
are?" "Hem! a strange question," 
replied Lothair, somewhat irritated ; 
'^you will see in due time what I 
shall do in after-years. Perhaps," 
he added spitefully, ''I will be con- 
verted some dav." '' Then, I con- 
gratulate you," answered Richard; 
''you must be somewhat of a prophet, 
since you think you know the future ; 
I suppose then, you can tell the exact 
time, when it will be necessary to 
prepare for death." ''Well," said 
Lothair, ."others do not act differ- 
ently ; they enjoy themselves in 
their youth, and defer serious con- 
siderations until later years. And 
in regard to your so-called pious 



232 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

people, you are all hypocrites, any- 
way; no, not you, personally, but 
the rest." 

"Thank you," answered Richard, 
''how do you know that we are 
hypocrites ? Can you see into our 
hearts?" ''That is clear enough," 
replied Lothair; "What youth can 
lead so pure a life as you profess 
to do? It is impossible." "You do 
therefore not believe, Lothair, that 
I can, and really do lead a chaste 
life? How could God demand it of 
us, if it were impossible? You are 
right in thinking that good-will and 
human endeavors alone, will not 
enable us to live purely, for un- 
doubtedly, you have sometimes been 
of good-will, yet, as you acknow- 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



233 



ledge, it did not bring success to 
your efforts. The grace of God 
must assist and strengthen us weak 
mortals." And then Richard com- 
menced to speak of the necessity and 
efficacy of prayer and of the sacra- 
ments, and showed to Lothair, that 
during these youthful years, when 
serious temptations assail us, and 
when our future is to be decided, 
we need a spiritual guide and ad- 
viser, whose hand will direct and 
support our wayward nature. The 
consequence of this long and serious 
conversation was, that Richard ac- 
companied Lothair to an experienced 
priest, who, by patient love, suc- 
ceeded in due time in curing the 
serious wounds of Lothair's heart. 
20* 



234 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



Ever after, Lothair would say to 
those who admired his change of 
sentiment: ^'This I owe, next to 
God, to my good friend Richard." 

Oh ! how beautiful it is to lead 
others to virtue, to chastity, to God, 
to Heaven ! 

Your blameless conduct, chaste 
Youth, will give you a certain right 
to aid in propagating the reign of 
virtue. 



CHAPTER XXXY. 

(1Ihiisl% iht ^mm luhirh brings forth a 

Corrtd iedsion in ^t^mfi 

to ilu c^utitrf . 

AT that most important period of 
youth, when one is about to 
choose a vocation for life, it is all 
necessary that his mind be clear, and 
that his heart be free from all sin- 
ister motives, that mind and heart 
be open and accessible to the life and 
warmth-giving rays of divine grace. 
You should not choose a particu- 
lar state or occupation without duo 
reflection, without having consulted 
God, and your own inclinations and 

235 



236 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

capabilities. The greater the talents 
God has given you, and the more 
influential the position that He has 
seemingly assigned you, the more 
important is it that you examine 
your motives, that you ask the Al- 
mighty to give you His light, and 
that your heart be disposed to suffer 
His grace to influence it. 

Be assured, many young persons 
render themselves unworthy, by the 
sins of youth, by evil habits of long 
duration, by immoral conduct (al- 
though known only to themselves) 
of certain vocations to which God 
would have called them, if they had 
not made themselves incapable of 
understanding such intimations of 
divine grace. 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



237 



Yes, indeed, many youths render 
themselves unworthy of high voca- 
tions by these most deplorable aber- 
rations. For example, how could 
God put the kingly purple of the 
priesthood upon the shoulders of the 
dissolute youth? How could He 
entrust to such hands, not only the 
keys of Heaven, but the pure body 
of His only Son? How could He 
choose such lips to preach His word, 
to condemn vice, to extol virtue, to 
convert sinners, to sanctify the just? 
And even if such youths could under- 
stand the call of grace, are they not 
too sensual to take upon themselves 
the burden which this high dignity 
brings with it? Would they not 
be rather discouraged at the pros- 



238 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



pect? Would they not start back 
with horror at the thought of the 
great responsibility, and fear a re- 
lapse into their former evil habits? 

It is true, even he who falls low- 
est may rise again, and he who has 
removed from God furthest, may 
again approach Him — a Saul may 
become a Paul ; but such miraculous 
conversions do not occur every day; 
and it is our duty not to place any 
obstacles to grace, which, perhaps, 
might call us to great things. 

Apart from this consideration, if 
our early years are spent in mod- 
esty and in the fear of God, we will 
become much better fitted even for 
merely worldly pursuits, than if we 
passed our youth in sensuality and 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



239 



in debauchery. How many young 
persons of noble qualities, perhaps 
also of noble birth, may be com- 
pared to a gem buried in the mire 
of the public streets? 

JExample, Great sorrow oppressed 
the heart of the princess Corsini, a 
widow, when she witnessed the daily 
increasing immorality of her young 
son Andrew. How often had she 
begged him to abandon his dissolute 
life! ^'Do tear yourself away," she 
would frequently say, '^from those 
young men who ruin you. You bring 
disgrace upon our whole house, and 
shorten the days of my life." But 
what did it effect? Moved, one 
moment, by his mother's entreaties, 
he would forget his good resolu- 



240 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

tion in the next. On one occasion, 
after Andrew had stayed away from 
home several nights in succession, his 
mother ordered all the family to put 
on mourning, and she herself hast- 
ened to the church of the Carmelites, 
there to relieve her soul by most 
earnest prayer. When she was leav- 
ing the church she met Andrew, who 
upon seeing her exclaimed : ''What! 
you are in mourning? Who has 
died in the family?" The mother 
answered; ''this is not the place to 
tell you." When they reached home, 
she said: "You seem not to know 
for whom we mourn, Andrew ! Is it 
not for yourself? Yes, indeed, you 
are dead to us — we mourn for you, 
and for ourselves ! The first part of 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



241 



my dream which I had before your 
birth, has been verified ! I saw a 
wolf; but the wolf became a lamb at 
the threshold of the Carmelite con- 
vent. But it seems that the latter 
part of my dream is not to become 
true, although I have so often of- 
fered you to Mary, our most blessed 
Mother." Whilst thus speaking she 
wept bitterly. His mother's words, 
and the mournful appearance of the 
w^liole house cut Andrew to the heart. 
''Mother," he cried out, ^'the wolf I 
was J the lamb I will become." And 
he went to the Carmelite convent, 
performed severe penances, con- 
quered the most violent temptations, 
advanced rapidly upon the path of 
virtue, and was in after-years made 
21 



242 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



bishop of Fiesoli in Italy. He is 
the St. Andrew of Corsini whose feast 
the Church celebrates on the 4th of 
February. By what circuitous routes 
Andrew at last attained the end des- 
tined for him by Almighty God ! 

Save yourself such by-ways, 
Youth ! You are not preparing for 
a happy future, if you misuse, or 
neglect the present. Lead a pure 
life, adorn your heart with virtues ; 
then you may hope that Grod will 
give you a future field of useful and 
honorable actions. 




CHAPTER XXXVI. 

(![hasli% the ^oitiice of Patig Consola- 
tions in %pVr%itt 

MANY persons in their youth 
think only of the passing 
moment. This is not prudent, and 
much less is it salutary. Do you 
not reckon upon coming years, upon 
the age of manhood, upon old age? 
If you do not, then you are most 
imprudent, because you expose your- 
self (according to your own admis- 
sion) to the danger of being suddenly 
checked in your career of vice, in 
order to be delivered to never-ending 
torments. 

243 



244 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

But if you do, then you must 
know, that old age rests upon the 
time of youth as upon its basis ; 
even more, that it grows forth from 
it as a plant from its germ. And 
will it be possible to cast away the 
remembrance of a sinful past, as you 
would throw oiF a pressing burden? 
Oh ! how many are tormented in 
more advanced age, at the thought 
of the early loss of their innocence, 
of their childhood and youth spent 
in sin, of the precious time thus lost, 
that was so well adapted to receive 
the good seed, which was not sown ! 
Hear the sighs of a St. Augustine, 
who only in his thirty-second year, 
listened to the constantly increasing 
calls of grace : '' ever ancient, ever 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



245 



new Beauty! How late have I 
known Thee, how late commenced 
to love Thee! See, my friend, you 
can spare yourself these heartfelt 
lamentations, if you watch over your 
innocence, if you guard it as you 
would a precious pearl, if you con- 
scientiously make use of every 
means to preserve your chastity, or, 
if lost, labor strenuously for its 
recovery. Then you may in man- 
hood, and old age, look back with 
consolation, upon the road over 
which you have travelled ; then you 
may rejoice, like the veteran of 
many battles, who, with honest 
pride and grateful heart, calls to 
mind the many victories won, the 
many banners captured from the 
21* 



246 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



enemy ; then you may rejoice like 
the proved captain, who steers his 
vessel through a thousand dangers — 
dangers from storms, cliffs, pirates, 
and brings his cargo safely to his 
native port! ''A crown of honor is 
old age; but it is acquired upon 
the ways of justice only," says Holy 
Scripture. 

Example. Count Eleazar of the 
renowned house of Sabran, led even 
in his youth a most edifying life. 
It is true, his mother had offered 
him to the Lord even at his birth, 
as formerly Blanche had done. '^ 
my God," thus she spoke — ''should 
this child ever stray from the paths 
of virtue, and turn to vice, rather 
take him now, after holy baptism, 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



247 



from my heart, whilst he is -inno- 
cent." And Eleazar remained pure. 
His quiet, modest, and yet always 
cheerful manners, obtained for him 
the love of every one. He had no 
greater pleasure, than to stand at the 
castle-gates, and distribute alms to 
the poor; and even when still very 
young, whilst resting in the arms of 
his nurse, he would bestow charity 
upon the indigent. When he grew 
older, he would frequently take his 
own dinner into the court-yard, in 
order to feed some hungry boy. He 
told a pious priest one day, that it 
was his most cherished wish, to shed 
his blood for Christ among a heathen 
people. But God disposed every 
thing in a very different manner. 



248 



THE PEAEL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



At the wish of Charles II., king of 
Sicily, he married, when still very 
young, Delphine de Sinhas, a lady 
of noble birth and of exquisite vir- 
tue. But before their marriage, they 
made a vow of perpetual chastity. 
It would be difficult to find a house- 
hold more orderly, more edifying, 
than that of Eleazar and Delphine, 
At the same time, Eleazar was a real 
father to his subjects, a nobleman 
and knight in the truest sense of the 
word. He enjoyed such confidence 
at court, that the king entrusted him 
with the education of his own son, 
and ordered him to sue, in behalf of 
the latter, for the hand of the daugh- 
ter of the Duke of Valois. How 
often must not Eleazar have called to 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



249 



mind with pleasure, the years of a 
holy life so far spent! He died at 
the age of thirty-eight. His whole 
life was like a wreath of fragrant, 
many colored flowers, among which 
the lovely flower of purity was most 
conspicuous. 

Why only think of the fleeting 
present, Youth? Perhaps God 
intends to grant you a long future. 
Would you prefer to resemble the 
devastated field, in harvest-time, 
which has naught to show the pas- 
ser-by, but its neglected stalks, than 
to be like the well-laden harvest- 
wagon, which, amid the rejoicings 
of the harvesters, rolls toward the 
well-prepared granary ? 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

d^hastitg, ih ^oxna of ^pcml |lfli^fl at 
11^ Jlll-Jmprlant four of ieatlu 

THAT serious, all-important hour, 
which closes time, and after 
which eternity commences its never- 
ending course, will one day come 
upon all of us. When stretched 
upon our dying couch, with the stifF- 
ness of death in our limbs, our eyes 
sunken, and the cold sweat of death 
upon our brow, how will we judge 
all things temporal ? What will we 
then think, in particular, of the low 
pleasures of the flesh ? When our 
250 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



251 



body is only one span removed from 
the grave, where it will soon become 
the food of worms, what will we 
think of our past life — either inno- 
cent or sinful ? Of what short dura- 
tion everything will then appear to 
have been; and if our course has 
been evil, how miserable, how inex- 
pressibly sad ! But if the reverse be 
the case, we will exclaim : '' Happy 
we, that we denied ourselves, that 
we preserved our chastity, that we 
fought the good fight!" Oh! if all 
could return from the grave, who 
for a mess of pottage, for a low, 
transient joy, sold their birthright, 
their right to a happy and blessed 
eternity, how differently they would 
act! 



252 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



And then, the judgment! How 
confidently can the chaste appear 
before God! It will be revealed to 
the whole world, how courageously 
they fought, having had nothing in 
advance of other men in regard to 
their natural inclinations. " ye 
truly blessed," will then be said, 
''ye that have washed your garments 
in the blood of the Lamb, come, 
take possession of that special glory, 
which the Lamb of God has pre- 
pared for you." How many a youth 
has found it his greatest consolation 
in death to be able to say: ^'Ifever 
did I yield to impurity. I die 
chaste; I always hated immodesty. 
I often prayed to God that He would 
keep me pure! How glad I am 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 253 

now, to have watched, and prayed, 
and fought! I anticipate the joy of 
being in the company of that purest 
Virgin, the Mother of God, of the 
holy angels, of St. Aloysius; I de- 
sire to lay aside this body, which 
might have become very dangerous 
to me ! my God and my All ! 
take me into Thy kingdom, in which 
all danger will be ended, and in 
which my triumph will be eternal ! " 
Would you not like to be able to 
speak in this manner? 

Exam'ple. A boy twelve years of 
age, who had led a blameless life, 
was about to die. His inconsolable 
mother abandoned herself to her 
grief; she covered her dying child 
with kisses and tears. The boy 
22 



254 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



once more summoned his fast-fail- 
ing strength, and said : '' How can 
you be so sad, dear mother ? Rather 
praise God that He gave me the 
grace of keeping my baptismal gar- 
ment unsoiled to this moment." A 
few moments after the child ex- 
pired, and \v^as, undoubtedly, en- 
rolled amongst the choirs of angels, 
to which he had already belonged 
whilst on earth. 

But another youth fell sick who 
had often been earnestly admonished 
by his pastor, who enjoyed his con- 
fidence, to change his life. Only 
shortly before he had begged him 
to give up his immoral habits, by 
which even many others were cor- 
rupted. . The priest noticed with 



THE PEAEL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



255 



alarm the dangerous character of the 
disease; he, therefore, considered it 
his duty to inform the sick youth 
of his danger, especially as he knew 
him to be but little prepared for 
death. Although carefully made, 
the young man was terrified at this 
announcement. " Oh ! " he exclaimed, 
''if I had but known that I was to 
die so young, I w^ould have lived 
differently. Must I then really die?" 
He made his confession, and died 
penitent, constantly, even unto his 
last moments, occupied with the 
thought, that he had to appear al- 
most directly from sin, and without 
a chance of wiping out the past, 
before the tribunal of his God ! 



256 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 

Thus it often happens: many de- 
pend upon old age, and, behold! un- 
expectedly death comes, and grants 
youth hardly time to comprehend : 
behind me scarcely anything but 
sin — before me — eternity — God have 
mercy ! 




CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

d^hastitg, iht ^onm of n ^pcrial (ilorg 
in the linjgdom of leatien. 

AS in the firmament one star sur- 
passes another in brightness, 
and in influence upon those stars 
which surround it, and are depend- 
ent upon it, so, also, in Heaven, some 
saints excel others in glory, possess 
special privileges, and enjoy special 
distinctions. This is particularly 
true of those who enter the wedding- 
hall with garments that were never 
soiled. Of such is it said, "that they 
shall sing hymns which no one else 
22-^ 257 



258 



THE PEABL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



can sing." The great merit which 
elevates them above all others, is 
their chastity. To them will be 
given special seats among those who 
govern with Christ, or rather, all 
places and degrees of those heavenly 
abodes will be accessible to them. 
They will be permitted to stand 
''upon the Mountain of Sion," upon 
the highest pinnacle of heavenly 
glory, next to the Lamb. Their 
lips will sing melodies unknown to 
others, and their hands will be well 
versed in playing upon heavenly 
harps. Their lips never uttered a 
lie. Every sin is a ''lie," an un- 
truth, a deceit, a delusion ; but no 
sin is more so than impurity; no 
joys are more shallow, more tran- 



THE PEAEL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



259 



sient, more dishonoring, more poi- 
sonous, than those it offers. Every 
virtue is ^^ truth;" for everything 
that is good is true; particularly 
may this be said of chastity, which 
expresses more than any other virtue 
the holiness of God, and makes us 
like to Him. 

1^0 wonder, therefore, that the 
Almighty, whose ways '^ are justice 
and truth," should praise, and ele- 
vate in a special manner those in 
whom no ''lie" is found. Such can 
draw nearer to Him, because they 
resemble Him more closely; such 
are distinguished by Him, because 
their combat against the devil, ''the 
father of liars," and against the 
world, whose "figure vanishes," was 



260 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



most difficult. And whilst in the 
abyss of hell, the former slave of a 
most shameful passion will be sub- 
jected to special torments, to a spe- 
cial contempt : — humble innocence 
in Heaven, will be adorned with a 
special crown, and all the Saints 
will view with particular delight 
and pious amazement those chaste 
ones, that have been bought, ^'the 
first among men," entirely separated 
from the earth, and who have lived 
for '* God and the Lamb." 

Example. The well-known friend 
of youth, St. Philip Neri, was con- 
fessor to a great number of young 
persons in Rome, who all entertained 
for him feelings of filial attachment. 
Among them was the son of a 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



261 



prince, Paolo Massimi, a pious, in- 
nocent child. When about fourteen 
years old, Paul fell sick, and his dis- 
ease quickly assumed a most serious 
character. St. Philip was sent for; 
but, alas ! he was at the altar saying- 
Mass. However, after it was over, 
he hastened to the palace of the 
Massimi, but could see by the coun- 
tenances of the servants what had 
happened. Paul was dead. Truly 
St. Philip found but his corpse, near 
which an inconsolable father was bit- 
terly weeping. The Saint was also 
deeply moved, because Paul had 
died without his spiritual assistance. 
In his sorrow he threw himself upon 
the corpse, shook it, sprinkled it with 
holy water, and cried out again and 



262 THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES, 

again, " Paolo, Paolo ! '^ The amaze- 
ment that came upon all present, 
may be more easily imagined than 
described, when Paul opened his 
eyes, and with astonishment looked 
at the father, as if he wished to say : 
why did you wake me? St. Philip 
now said : " Paolo, would you rather 
live, or die again?" "0 father," 
answered the boy, ''I saw my mother 
and sister in Heaven ; I wish to die 
again." And Paul closed his eyes, 
breathed heavily, and expired a sec- 
ond time. 

Even to the present day, a mass 
is said every year on the 16th of 
March, the anniversarv of this won- 
derful occurrence, in the room in 
which little Paolo died. So sweet is 



THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



263 



it to die when innocent ! So glorious 
is the Heaven of the chaste, that 
even a princely life on earth no 
longer seems desirable, when Hea- 
ven has been enjoyed, even for one 
moment ! 

And now, dear Youth, what do 
you think of the pearl, of which I 
have spoken? Do you consider it 
precious ? Will you obtain it — even 
at the price of great sacrifices, of 
severe combats? Will you main- 
tain your possession of it — at any 
cost? Oh! have courage! How 
glorious is chastity in itself! how 
precious before God! how full of 
blessings! What a reward is await- 
ing it! How encouraging are not 
the heroic examples of numberless 



264 



THE PEAEL AMONG THE VIRTUES. 



youths ! They show you the way : 
rise, therefore, Avalk after them, — to 
the Heaven of the Chaste. 




